Job Description

Based in Clacton-on-Sea, Sailship Training and Learning for Life is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting learning disabled adults and young people, as well as individuals requiring mental health support. We are seeking an experienced, caring, and patient chef or cook to join our team as a Cookery & Life-skills Learning Support Worker. This permanent contract is for 7 hours per day, 9am-4pm - Monday to Friday (subject to successful completion of a six-month probationary period).

Main Responsibilities

Deliver life-skills cookery instruction to adults and young people with learning disabilities.

Prepare, cook, and serve lunches, (for site users of between 10-25 people per day) including trainees, participants, staff, and volunteers on site, from 'The Galley' canteen/training kitchen, supporting a small team (up to 4 trainees) to carry out the work.

Engage in lunch preparation and service, supporting the learning disabled community to develop practical cookery skills.

Maintain high standards of customer service, being sensitive to the needs of individual trainees, participants, and colleagues.

Follow all health and safety policies and procedures as set by Sailship.

Uphold food hygiene and safety standards at Level 3 (training provided if necessary).

Clean the kitchen and canteen area to a professional standard.

Prepare, cook, bake, and serve a variety of light lunches, mindful of budget constraints (e.g., wraps, pizza from scratch, soups, pasta, salads, sandwiches, cakes, biscuits, scones).

Monitor cooking times and temperatures to ensure food and drinks are served promptly and safely.

Accommodate dietary requirements, including allergies, intolerances, and other health needs.

Clear away and clean the canteen and kitchen, maintaining high levels of hygiene and cleanliness.

Dispose of food waste according to health and hygiene regulations.

Clean kitchen equipment, including appliances, ovens, dishes, and pans.

Check that kitchen equipment is safe and operational, reporting any faults to the Operations Manager as per Sailship procedures.

Monitor and record fridge and freezer temperatures.

Ensure safe and efficient storage of food ingredients.

Conduct stock-taking, monitor sell-by dates, and rotate food supplies as needed.

Review kitchen inventory regularly and determine required items.

Shop for food items weekly and arrange collection or delivery of supplies, including surplus food, as appropriate.

Instruct Sailship trainees and participants in life-skills cookery and baking.

Facilitate opportunities for trainees to assist in lunchtime service as part of their work experience.

Working Environment

The Galley, our on-site canteen and training kitchen, is part of a larger project situated within 1.5 acres of gardens and allotments. Our community grows its own food, which is used for cooking and sharing meals. You will be joining a small, dedicated team, contributing to the efficient running of the kitchen while supporting learning and development for people with disabilities.

Candidate Profile

We seek a team member who is committed to helping us build a success story, who will enjoy developing the Galley Canteen and life-skills learning Kitchen offering, and is passionate about supporting others to learn. The ideal candidate brings creative ideas for preparing and serving daily light lunches, demonstrates a caring and patient nature, and is able to effectively instruct and demonstrate cookery and baking skills. You should be capable of working on your own initiative and willing to support the continued growth of our community project.

Qualifications and Experience

Catering qualification to at least Level 2 - essential.

Food hygiene certification to at least Level 3 - essential (training can be provided).

Enhanced DBS certificate - essential (employer will cover the cost).

Minimum of three years' cookery/catering experience - essential.

Experience working with learning disabled individuals or those with mental health support needs - desirable but not essential. A positive attitude towards others is required (training provided, e.g., understanding autism/learning disability).

Experience working in a cafe or canteen kitchen environment as a chef or food producer - desirable.

Benefits

28 days' holiday per year (full-time equivalent, pro-rata for part-time).

Free chef whites and PPE.

Access to training and professional development programmes.

Paid induction period, training, and enhanced DBS check.

Company pension scheme.

Free on-site parking.

Discounted food for staff.

Employment Details

Pay: 12.50 per hour.

Expected hours: 35 per week (Monday to Friday, 09:00-16:00).

Work location: In person, on site.

Expected start date: As soon as possible.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer who values diversity and actively encourages applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age or background.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 12.50 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Discounted or free food Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person