Cook

JOB PURPOSE:

To prepare, cook and serve nutritious, high quality meals that meet the dietary, nutritional and cultural needs of residents. The care home cook plays an integral role in supporting residents health and wellbeing outcomes by providing safe, appetising meals while maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & QUALIFICATIONS     Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willing to undertake this qualification)
HACCP
Knowledge of IDDSI framework
Allergen Management awareness
Adherence to budget management
First Aid awareness
Health and Safety awareness
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES      Plan and prepare daily meals,snacks, and special diets in accordance with residents' nutritional requirements and preferences.
Ensure all foodis prepared, cooked, and presented to a consistently high standard.
Cater for special dietary requirements, including allergies,medical conditions, texture-modified diets, and cultural or religious preferences.
Maintain excellent food hygiene standards inline with current food safety legislation and company policies.
Monitor food temperatures, storage, stock rotation, and kitchen cleaning schedules.
Order food supplies and manage stock levels to minimise waste and ensure cost-effective purchasing.
Keep accurate recordsrelatingto food safety, temperature checks, cleaning schedules, and allergen management.
Work within agreed budgets while maintaining meal quality.
Ensure the kitchen and food preparation areas remain clean, organised, and safeat all times.
Communicate effectively with residents, colleagues,healthcare professionals, and management regarding dietary needs andmenuplanning.
Support special events, celebrations, and themed meals within thehome.
Followall health andsafety procedures, including manual handling and infection prevention measures.
Person specification
Essential
Previous experience working asa cook orchef, preferably ina care, healthcare, hospitality, or catering environment.
Good knowledge offood hygiene andfood safety regulations.
Understanding of special diets and nutritional requirements for older adults.
Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Reliable, organised, andable to workunder pressure.
Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
Desirable
Experience working withina residential ornursing care home.
Knowledge of dysphagia and texture-modified diets (IDDSIframework).
Relevant catering or hospitality qualification.
First Aid awareness.
Skills and Competencies
Excellent cooking andfood preparation skills.
Attention to detail.
Good organisational and planning abilities.
Budget and stock management.
Teamwork and collaboration.
Compassionate and resident-focused approach.
Commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety.
Health and Safety
The post holderis responsible for:
Following all healthand safety procedures.
Maintaining food hygiene standards.
Reporting hazards, accidents, or equipment faults promptly.
Using equipment safelyand according to training.
Safeguarding
The post holderis responsible for:
Following all healthand safety procedures.
Maintaining food hygiene standards.
Reporting hazards, accidents, or equipment faults promptly.
Using equipment safelyand according to training.
Training and Development:
Attend staff training as requested by the Manager.
This job description outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list and the post holder may be required to undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the position and the needs of the care home.