Job Description

JOB TITLE: Relief Cook

REPORTING TO: Management Team

JOB HOURS: Flexible, depending on the needs of the business 14 - 40 hours per week

Job Purpose

JOB PURPOSE

To manage the preparation of all meals in the Care Home. To undertake a range of tasks associated with food preparation including the preparation

To understand the need to promote privacy, dignity, independence, choice, rights and fulfilment of all residents, treating everyone with respect.

To prepare nutritional food to a high standard, taking special dietary needs into account

Observance of Health & Safety requirements with regard to maintain a high standard of hygiene at all times in accordance with the appropriate Food Hygiene Regulations using the "Safer Food Better Business Manual" and to meet the requirements of any relevant Care Home regulations.

To ensure the cleanliness of the kitchen is maintained to the highest standard.

Key Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, and cook meals for residents, in line with the set menu - ensuring they are varied, nutritious, and attractively presented at point of service.. Cater to special diets (e.g., diabetic, vegetarian, soft diets, cultural or religious requirements) making appropriate changes to meals on a day by day / meal by meal basis as necessary..
Check equipment and maintain records.

Check temperature of heated trolleys/fridge and freezers prior to food being transferred.

Prepare breakfast, lunch, tea and supper, supervising transfer of trolley to the dining room.

Prepare fresh soups, cakes, etc. where possible, rather than buying them in.

Liaise with Manager for special daily requirements and celebrations. Ensure correct labelling, storage, rotation of foodstuffs. Ensure that meals are provided in sufficient quantities, taking into account the diets to meet medical, ethnic and personal needs and preferences. Ensure that appropriate clothing, including head ware, is worn at all times by staff working within the kitchen area.
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Work with the care team to understand residents' dietary preferences and needs. Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and infection control standards at all times. Maintain accurate records of food temperatures, stock levels, and dietary requirements. Order and manage food supplies within budget, ensuring minimal waste, in liaison and at the direction of the manager.. Contribute to menu planning as required. Keep the kitchen, equipment, and storage areas clean, tidy, and safe in line with HACCP and health & safety regulations. Maintain and update all HACCP records as required and in a timely manner. To report any suspected pest infestation to the management team. Oversee and support kitchen assistants (if applicable). Participate in training, audits, and inspections as required.
To act at all times, in accordance with Peasmarsh Place policies and procedures.

To promote and maintain a professional attitude towards residents, visitors and colleagues. . To attend team meetings, briefing sessions for staff To attend training and supervision when requested. To attend regular 1 to 1's and annual Individual Performance Planning meetings with your Manager.
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PERSON SPECIFICATION

Skills and Qualities

Ability to cook a variety of meals to a high standard. Knowledge of nutrition and dietary needs for older people. Good organisation and time management skills. Understanding of food safety, hygiene, and health & safety requirements. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to work on a 7 day rota including weekends
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Compassion, patience, and respect for residents.

Qualifications and Experience (all essential)

Experience as a cook, ideally in a care home, hospital, or similar setting. Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (required); Level 3 preferred. Knowledge of dietary requirements and menu planning. Experience in stock control and ordering supplies (desirable).

KNOWLEDGE

1. Safeguarding practices (desirable)

2. Care Quality Commission (CQC) Essential Standards of Quality and Safety (desirable)

3. Understanding of COSHH/Infection control guidelines (essential)

Working Conditions / Practices

Shift work, including weekends and bank holidays, may be required. Standing for long periods and working in a hot environment. Manual handling (lifting supplies, equipment, etc.)
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 12.50 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 14 per week

Benefits:

On-site parking
Work Location: In person