Job Description

Purpose of the Role:

As a Cook in our Community Resource Centres, your main responsibility will be preparing, cooking, and finishing a variety of meals using modern catering methods. You'll ensure meals meet nutritional and dietary needs, including special requests, and that food is available throughout the day.

You'll work as part of a friendly and supportive team, contributing to the smooth running of the service and helping to improve the lives of the people we support.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Cooking & Food Service:

Prepare and cook meals to a high standard, including for special diets. Work with the team to plan meals and order supplies. Support catering staff during meal service and supervise food delivery to residents. Ensure food is available throughout the 24-hour period, if required.

2. Kitchen & Hygiene Standards:

Assist with routine and deep cleaning of kitchen areas and equipment. Monitor hygiene, health and safety standards (e.g., temperature checks, equipment safety). Follow food hygiene and health & safety regulations including COSHH.

3. Team Leadership & Supervision:

Guide and support 3-5 catering assistants in daily tasks. Provide training to new team members and assist in staff development. Regularly check in with the Registered Manager for supervision and support.

4. Communication & Service Improvement:

Maintain good communication with residents and staff to ensure satisfaction with meals. Lead or assist in small projects like trialling new menu options and gathering feedback. Foster a collaborative and positive work environment.

What We're Looking For:

Experience cooking in a professional setting, ideally with knowledge of special diets. Strong understanding of food hygiene and kitchen safety. Ability to lead a small team and work well under pressure. Friendly, reliable, and able to adapt to changing needs. Committed to supporting vulnerable adults and following safeguarding procedures.

Working Conditions:

Some bending, lifting, and physical work involved (e.g., moving trays, trolleys, food stores). Around 75% of the role involves working in hot, steamy kitchen conditions. Protective clothing and headwear must be worn while in the kitchen. May occasionally work at another nearby centre.

Our Values - What We Believe In:

We want team members who:

Take initiative and deliver great outcomes to improve people's lives. Empower others and share knowledge. Work together, support each other, and build trust. Are honest, transparent, and accountable.

What We Offer:

A supportive and welcoming work environment. Ongoing training and development opportunities. The chance to make a real difference in people's lives. A role where your voice is heard and ideas are valued.

Additional Requirements:

You must be willing to undergo an

Enhanced DBS check

before starting.
Must follow all safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection policies.

Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience

Essential:

Compliant with all mandatory training requirements City & Guilds 706 or equivalent Level 2 qualification in catering Food Handling & Hygiene Certificate Willingness to develop professionally and take part in relevant training or apprenticeships Understanding of dietary needs for older people Awareness of environmental health agency regulations Commitment to Equal Opportunities and promoting an inclusive workplace Experience in catering within care homes, day care centres, hostels, hotels, restaurants, schools, or similar large-scale environments Knowledge of and ability to follow Health & Safety and COSHH regulations Awareness of the ageing process and current care practices for older people Understanding of dietary needs for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups Awareness of special dietary needs related to health conditions

Desirable:

First Aid training at an appropriate level Some experience cooking in an industrial or commercial kitchen setting

Personal Qualities

Strong team player - respectful, reliable, trustworthy, and a good communicator Proactive and creative - able to identify opportunities for improvement Capable of handling conflicting demands and resolving problems effectively Quick to learn new information Flexible and adaptable - responsive to residents' dietary needs and able to manage challenging situations Able to build and maintain professional relationships
Enthusiastic and committed - dedicated to supporting a service where residents and staff feel safe, respected, and well cared for

How to Apply

Take the next step in your career! Apply today and become part of a team dedicated to helping others find their homes. Click the 'Apply Now' button to submit your application. Or alternatively, send the below listed documents to adarsh.thomas@centurionstaunch.co.uk to be fast tracked for the role:

Updated CV. License/ Photo ID Right to Work. 3 year References

Additional Information:

Privacy Assurance:

We take your privacy seriously and are committed to protecting your personal data. All data provided during the application process will be handled in strict compliance with GDPR regulations. This includes securely storing and processing your personal details solely for recruitment purposes. By submitting your application, you consent to the use of your data for the purpose of assessing your suitability for the position. We will not share your information with third parties without your consent unless required by law. For more information on how we protect and process your personal data.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 2 months

Pay: 13.47 per hour

Expected hours: 21 per week

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 12/05/2025