The Cook supports the Chef in ensuring the preparation and- serving of nutritionally balanced and- well-presented meals. The role involves adhering to food safety and- hygiene standards, assisting with procurement, and- maintaining the day-to-day operation of the kitchen to meet the high standards expected by Trust Care Management Limited and- the Care Quality Commission.
Essential Functions
Support in Food Preparation: Assist the Chef with meal preparation, including chopping ingredients, cooking under supervision, and- portioning meals according to set standards.
Kitchen Cleanliness & Safety: Maintain a clean and- organized workspace, sanitize surfaces, and- ensure compliance with food safety and- hygiene regulations.
Stock Assistance: Support stock rotation and- inventory checks, ensuring items are properly stored and- reporting any shortages to the Chef.
Food Safety Adherence: Follow due diligence protocols for- food safety, including the correct use and- control of hazardous substances as per COSHH guidelines.
Execution of Menus: Follow established recipes and- menus to prepare meals for- residents, ensuring consistent quality and- presentation.
Resident Interaction: Maintain service user contact to receive feedback on food quality, and- relay information to the Chef for- potential adjustments.
Assist in Special Dietary Needs: Work with the Chef to prepare meals that accommodate special dietary requirements, allergies, and- preferences.
Equipment & Storage Management: Ensure all kitchen equipment is cleaned and- stored correctly, and- assist in reporting any defects to the Chef.
Adherence to Hygiene Standards: Ensure proper standards of cleanliness are maintained in all kitchen areas, regularly check that hygiene standards are met, and- participate in cleaning schedules.
Support in Training: Assist in the induction and- training of new staff members, providing them with guidance on day-to-day kitchen operations and- safety standards.
Rotas & Cover: Assist in maintaining kitchen operations by covering shifts as needed during staff absences and- holidays, and- support effective rota preparation.
Handling Complaints: Report any minor- complaints or- issues regarding catering services to the Chef, ensuring they are promptly addressed.
Participate in Development Programs: Engage in training programs required by law or- company standards, staying up to date with food hygiene certifications and- relevant training.
Positive Interaction with Residents: Develop positive relationships with residents, providing a friendly and- courteous approach to meal service.
Compliance Support: Assist the Chef in maintaining compliance with health and- safety regulations, including fire procedures and- environmental health standards.
Requirements
* Skills and Aptitude and Ability:
* Ability to follow instructions precisely and- work within established guidelines.
* Strong focus on cleanliness and- safety standards in food preparation.
* Job Relevant Experience:
* Minimum of 1 year of experience working in a kitchen or- catering setting.
* Experience in preparing ingredients and- assisting in food production.
* Physical Condition:
o Capable of performing physically demanding tasks, such as lifting supplies and- working on feet for- extended periods.
* Attitude and Disposition:
* Cooperative and- supportive attitude towards kitchen leadership.
* Willing to learn and- adapt in a busy kitchen environment.
* Education Standards:
* NVQ Level 2 in Catering or- relevant work experience.
* Willingness to pursue further training as required.
* * * Specialist Knowledge:
* Basic knowledge of food safety and- hygiene requirements.
* Understanding of dietary requirements and- willingness to adapt meals accordingly.
* Job training Certificates:
* Food Hygiene Level 2 certification.
* Basic Health & Safety training.
* Personal Attributes:
* Team player with a respectful approach to both staff and- residents.
* Reliable, punctual, and- attentive to detail in all food preparation tasks.
Benefits
* Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time hours available.
* Benefits Package