Assistant Cook

City of York Council; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave allowance

Access to Local Government Pension Scheme

Health & wellbeing initiatives

Flexible working practices

Community engagement opportunities

Job summary

A local council in the United Kingdom is seeking an Assistant Cook to prepare meals considering dietary needs and to consult with children about menus. The ideal candidate will have a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate and a strong ability to communicate in English. This role involves 18.5 hours of work per week, with benefits like generous leave and health initiatives.

Qualifications

• Understanding of special dietary requirements.
• Willingness to work towards catering qualifications.
• Ability to advise the public.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals for dietary needs.
• Consult with children on menus.
• Support food stock management.
• Develop food hygiene policies.
• Maintain health and safety standards.

Skills

Basic Food Hygiene

Communication in spoken English (CEFR Level B1)

Customer Service

Education

Level 2 or 3 qualification in catering

Job description

Join to apply for the Assistant Cook role at City of York Council.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals within the home, including special dietary requirements such as ketogenic diets, high-calorie diets, gluten-free, dairy-free, casein-free, nut-free, vegetarian and autism-specific meals.
• Consult with children and young people to develop menus and food choices in collaboration with the cook.
• Support the cook in ordering and checking food stock, taking deliveries, rotating stock and performing daily equipment checks, including fridge and freezer temperatures.
• Contribute to the development of policies, procedures and practices related to food preparation and hygiene.
• Maintain high levels of health, safety and hygiene.

Qualifications

• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Level 2 or 3 qualification in catering, or willingness to work towards such qualification.
• Competency to communicate in spoken English to CEFR Level B1, to converse with members of the public.
• Ability to provide advice and guidance to members of the public.

A successful candidate will also undertake an enhanced Criminal Record Check via the Disclosure and Barring Service. City of York Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

The hours of work are 18.5 hours per week, between 11am and 6pm, and include alternate weekends.

We can offer generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive health & wellbeing initiatives, a reward package recognising your contribution, flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities, continuous learning & development, and a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.

For further information or an informal discussion please contact Wendy Berkett, Deputy Manager, [e-mail] or 07748 933337.

Closing date: Sunday 16 November 2025 at 12 midnight
Interview date: TBC