Job Details Esteem is seeking a passionate and dedicated Volunteer Chef-Mentor to join our team and help provide nourishing, home-cooked meals for young adults aged 14-26. Role Purpose As a Volunteer Chef-Mentor, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of meals, including baking and dinners, keeping to a budget and ensuring Esteem young adults can enjoy nutritious, tasty, and wholesome food. This may also involve utilising ingredients from fairshare collections to minimise food waste. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the young adults, encouraging and teaching them cooking skills that promote independence and confidence in the kitchen. This is an excellent opportunity to use your culinary expertise to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of young people in the community who are developing or discovering their potential. The profile of many of Esteem’s young adults is that they have low levels of confidence and may be quite anxious; some young people may be neurodiverse including have a history of mental health problems, they also may have faced homelessness and other life affecting issues including the effects of long term unemployment Principal tasks and responsibilities Meal Preparation & Cooking: Prepare and cook daily meals (including dinner and occasional baked goods) for up to 20 young adults per session. Menu Planning: Assist with planning balanced, healthy, and budget-friendly menus that cater to a variety of dietary requirements. Food Safety & Hygiene: Ensure all food is prepared and cooked to the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and cleanliness. Inventory Management: Help monitor stock levels, order supplies, and manage kitchen resources effectively. Team Collaboration: Work alongside staff and young adults to create a welcoming and positive atmosphere during meal times. Cooking Skills Development: Support and encourage young adults in developing their cooking skills. At times, you will invite them to cook alongside you, helping them learn basic techniques, meal planning, and food preparation. Special Dietary Needs: Accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other allergies as needed. To report any safeguarding concerns to the Safeguarding Team or youth worker in charge. Uphold the commitment of the organisation to equality and diversity and its set of values. The hours specified for this role coincide with both our Wellbeing and Social Youth Worker and our Wellbeing Youth Projects Workers working hours. This enables us to provide the applicant with any support or guidance with the drop in menu, potential young adult numbers attending session and budget. As well as, giving scope to any young adults to help or assist with any food shopping or cooking on each day. Person Specification - Skills, Abilities and Knowledge Proven experience and passion for cooking and food preparation, ideally in a professional or volunteer setting. A passion for working with young people and helping them develop skills that will enhance their independence and confidence. Good interpersonal skills, ability to listen, friendly, encouraging, and patient in a diverse environment. Ability to adapt your communication and approach to suit individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill levels. Understanding of food safety regulations and hygiene standards. Ability to work efficiently and collaboratively within a team environment. Flexibility and willingness to assist with additional kitchen-related tasks when required. Motivated by promoting the development and wellbeing of young people; providing opportunities for growth where possible. Benefits: A chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young adults. Opportunity to work with a supportive and enthusiastic team. Gain experience in a charitable environment. We will only shortlist applicants that have applied directly to our HR Department providing a completed application form. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to attend a short pre-interview call. If you would like an informal discussion about the role or have any questions, please contact Adam Ransom on adam.ransomesteem.org.uk Sadly, without a completed application form we will not be able to consider your application. To apply, download a copy of this this Application Form and send to hresteem.org.uk Alternatively, please send an email to hrEsteem.org.uk requesting an application form, ensuring you include the role title in your email.