Job Description

West House Care Home is looking for an experienced cook to work within its small kitchen team for 3 days per week (7.30am - 17.00pm). You will assist in the safe and effective running of the kitchen in the provision of nutritious and balanced meals to our residents. This includes provision for specific resident's dietary needs.

In addition to producing meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), you will also be required to assist with meal planning and ordering kitchen provisions.

The role is busy and reasonably demanding given that it requires the preparation of breakfast, lunch and dinner and some baking. However, it is also incredibly rewarding, given that meals are being made as part of the daily care for our residents.

The position is based at Waldridge Road, Chester-Le-Street, DH2 3AA and is permanent, subject to successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.

The main duties, person specification and employee package are set out below.

About Us:

We are a 26 bed, family-owned care home with a strong, longstanding local reputation for providing a high standard of both nursing and residential care to our residents. We put our resident's first, with their care coming before profits.

You will be joining a colleague in the kitchen team and an approachable wider team, who work collaboratively in the delivery of a high standard of care to the home's residents.

About the Role:

As part of the role, you will (not exhaustive):

undertake the preparation, cooking and presentation of meals, ensuring they are of a high standard and quality. You must take account of individual needs / dietary requirements; be responsible to; and liaise regularly with, the Home Manager and directors as appropriate; assist in dealing with suppliers in respect of ordering all provisions and ensure that those provisions are of good quality and obtained at a cost that does not exceed the allocated budget; be responsible for portion control and ensure waste is kept to a minimum; account for and control all stock at the Home, including undertaking stock checks; adhere, and ensure that any other staff involved in the preparation and / or serving of food adhere to safety and hygiene standards; be responsible for the cleanliness of all kitchen and storage areas, ensuring that the hygiene standards meet Environmental Health requirements; ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Policy, Fire Regulations and procedures used in an emergency situation; and report any incidents/accidents in the kitchen and / or store room.

About you:

We are looking for candidates with the following:

1. Attributes and skills

able to work under pressure and to deadlines in a busy kitchen; able to work well independently but also as part of a team, in a busy environment; able to plan effectively and to work within budgets; good communication and conduct; self-motivated, with a positive, can-do attitude; organised and proactive; flexible - willing to work weekends and bank holidays as required; passionate about providing a high-quality standard of food and about maintaining a clean and safe environment; maintains a high level of personal hygiene; and good time management.
2. Qualifications and Experience:

You must have basic food hygiene certificate and NVQ level 2 or 3 Qualifications. Previous experience of a Care Home setting is preferred but not essential.
Please note that the successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS Disclosure check. You must also be eligible to work in the UK.

The Employee Package includes:

minimum 14.00 per hour, but experience will be considered; 5.6 weeks annual leave per annum (pro-rated as appropriate); internal training; free uniform; and enrolment into our Pension Scheme (if desired).

No agency please. Where applicable, candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK and be able to evidence this on request.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From 14.00 per hour

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking
Application question(s):

Are you able to work weekdays and weekends where required? Do you have the required NVQ Level 2 or 3 qualification?
Experience:

Cooking: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person