£12.43 - £12.64 per hour * Increased pay on weekends * 37-hours per week * Set shift pattern * Development and ongoing training * Refer a friend scheme up to £300 fantastic benefits: Generous Annual leave entitlement - starting at 27 days, rising to 31 after 5 years (exc. Bank holidays) pro rata Enhanced Maternity Pay Occupational Sick pay entitlement from day one Funded Blue Light discount package (superb discounts on travel, leisure, entertainment and more) Access to Employee Assistance Programme Comprehensive induction Excellent training & development opportunities supporting career progression. Access to Litmos online learning platform – our one stop shop for learning & development Refer a Friend Bonus - up to £300 per person you refer (uncapped and paid on successful appointment) Celebrated success through annual awards ceremony About the role: The Assistant Cook will support the Cook Manager in the provision of a range of nutritious meals which take account of specific dietary requirements. They will ensure meals are prepared in a clean and safe environment, ensuring infection control and hygiene policies and procedures are followed, while ensuring that a welcoming environment is provided for clients, staff and visitors, maintaining Care Dorset’s reputation. Along with all members of the kitchen staff, they will contribute to safeguarding the welfare of people we support. Responsibilities and Accountabilities: Carrying out basic food preparation tasks such as preparation of vegetables and salads Ensuring meals are prepared in accordance with any specific dietary requirements (e.g. allergies, texture modification, special and cultural diets) Maintaining good food hygiene, in accordance with Care Dorset’s catering policy and infection control policy Following health and safety practices in all food preparation and in use of the kitchen, including wearing protective clothing provided Ensuring food preparation sites are clean and ready when needed Serving meals, alongside other staff members Clearing away and washing up after meals Maintaining up to date knowledge about efficient and safe use of food preparation, cleaning equipment, appropriate safe use of chemical cleaning products and COSSH regulations. Keeping all equipment in good working order and carrying out routine maintenance tasks on equipment. Reporting any faults Carry out general duties within the kitchen including unloading food and equipment deliveries Ensuring high standards of personal hygiene and presentation in accordance with the Infection Control, Catering and Uniform policies Working as part of a team and providing cover, on occasion, to Housekeepers or Laundry Assistants to ensure smooth running of the service Keeping basic records up to date, including food hygiene / cleaning charts, providing evidence for audit and inspection purposes Attending staff meetings as and when required Person Specification Must haves: Ability to use a range of food preparation and cleaning equipment and to read and carry out basic instructions. Written English skills as required to complete records A reasonable level of physical fitness as required to carry out the role Good communication and listening skills Ability to work alongside existing and new members of the team Commitment to providing a high quality service Prepared to work towards a Food Safety – Level 2 Certificate, if required. Prepared to work towards a Certificate in Infection Control. Understanding of basic food hygiene Understanding of basic health and safety requirements Basic knowledge of catering equipment Good to have: Food Safety – Level 2 Certificate. Certificate in Infection Control. Protection of Vulnerable Adult Training. Ability to work on own initiative Experience of food handling and preparation Previous kitchen cleaning experience / experience of working in catering Awareness of Health and Hygiene practices, COSHH regulations, infection control procedures. If you are enthusiastic about making a positive difference in people's lives and meet the requirements mentioned above, we would love to hear from you