Chef

Are you passionate about creating great food and making a positive difference to peoples lives? Were looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Chef to take the lead in delivering a high-quality kitchen service within our learning disabilities nursing home. Youll plan and prepare nutritious, varied and appetising meals that reflect peoples individual tastes, preferences, dietary needs and cultural requirements, making the best use of fresh and seasonal produce.

Alongside preparing great food, youll oversee the day-to-day running of the kitchen, including menu planning, food safety and hygiene, stock control and ordering. Most importantly, youll help create positive and enjoyable dining experiences that promote peoples health, wellbeing, dignity, choice and independence. Hours and Pay

Hours:

8 hour shifts, Monday to Friday. £13.18 to £14.00 per hour dependent upon experience Key Responsibilites Plan and prepare nutritious, varied and appealing meals that meet peoples individual dietary needs, preferences and cultural requirements. Develop menus using fresh, seasonal produce while considering nutrition, choice, variety and budget. Cater safely for special diets, allergies, intolerances and texture-modified meals, working with relevant professionals where required.

Manage the day-to-day running of the kitchen, including food preparation, service, stock control, ordering and reducing food waste. Maintain high standards of food hygiene, kitchen cleanliness and food safety in line with HACCP, COSHH and relevant legislation. Complete and maintain appropriate food safety, temperature, cleaning and stock records. Ensure food is stored, prepared and served safely, including effective allergen management.

Create a welcoming and enjoyable dining experience, listening to peoples feedback and involving them in menu choices wherever possible. Manage kitchen budgets effectively and ensure good value while maintaining quality. Supervise, support and guide kitchen staff, ensuring safe working practices and consistently high standards. Maintain kitchen equipment and report any faults, repairs or health and safety concerns promptly. Work collaboratively with care staff and management to ensure peoples nutritional and hydration needs are understood and met.

Support inspections, audits and compliance requirements, maintaining appropriate records and documentation. Promote peoples dignity, choice, independence and wellbeing through a person-centred approach to food and mealtimes. Skills & Experience Must have:
Strong organisational skills, with the ability to plan menus, manage stock and food orders, and organise the day-to-day running of the kitchen. Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with people, colleagues, families, suppliers and other professionals. A person-centred approach, with a commitment to providing meals that reflect peoples individual needs, choices, preferences and dietary requirements.

Excellent attention to detail, particularly in relation to food safety, hygiene, allergens, dietary requirements and record keeping. The ability to work independently, use initiative and take responsibility for maintaining a safe, efficient and well-organised kitchen. The ability to remain calm and organised in a busy environment and manage changing priorities effectively. A reliable, flexible and adaptable approach to work. A commitment to promoting peoples dignity, wellbeing, choice and independence through high-quality food and positive dining experiences.

Desirable:
Previous experience working in a kitchen, catering, hospitality, care, healthcare or similar food service environment. Experience supporting people with learning disabilities or an understanding of person-centred support. Knowledge of food safety, food hygiene, allergen management, infection prevention and control, COSHH and health and safety. Knowledge of nutrition, specialist diets and texture-modified food.

Experience of menu planning, stock control, ordering and maintaining food safety records. An understanding of safeguarding and the responsibility to recognise and report concerns. Values…