Job Purpose:
To prepare and serve nutritious and high-quality meals for residents, ensuring that individual dietary needs, preferences, and cultural requirements are met. This role also involves maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen and dining areas while ensuring all health and safety regulations are followed.
Key Responsibilities:
Meal Preparation:
Plan, prepare, cook, and serve meals based on a set menu or individual dietary needs, ensuring quality and presentation standards are met.
Cater to special dietary requirements (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, or medical diets).
Ensure meals are prepared and served in accordance with food safety guidelines and nutritional standards.
Health & Safety:
Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations, including proper handling and storage of food.
Maintain cleanliness in all kitchen areas, including cleaning utensils, equipment, and cooking surfaces.
Follow proper food handling and sanitation practices, as outlined by health and safety policies.
Resident Care and Interaction:
Engage with residents and cater to their meal preferences and feedback.
Ensure that any changes in dietary requirements are recorded and adhered to.
Work with the care team to ensure that residents' nutritional needs are being met appropriately.
Inventory Management:
Assist in managing stock levels, ordering ingredients, and ensuring kitchen supplies are replenished in a timely manner.
Monitor the use of food supplies to minimize waste.
Enhanced DBS (CRB) Checks:
You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS (CRB) check as part of safeguarding procedures. This is essential as the role involves direct contact with vulnerable individuals.
Teamwork and Communication:
Work collaboratively with other kitchen staff and care teams to ensure smooth service delivery.
Maintain open communication with managers, residents, and care staff regarding meal service and dietary concerns.
Other Duties:
Assist with other kitchen tasks as required by management, including food preparation, stocktaking, and dishwashing.
Participate in ongoing training, especially regarding food safety, dietary needs, and care regulations.
Person Specification:
Essential Qualifications and Skills:
Previous experience working as a cook, preferably in a residential or care home setting.
Relevant food hygiene certification (e.g., Level 2 Food Safety).
Enhanced DBS check (required for working in a care setting).
Knowledge of safe food preparation, storage, and handling procedures.
Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Understanding of individual dietary needs, including special dietary requirements (e.g., allergies, medical conditions).
Desirable Qualifications:
NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Catering or equivalent qualification.
Experience working with older adults or individuals with special dietary needs.