Assistant Cook – Part Time

Morningstarhouse; Belfast; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Assistant Cook to join their team. This role is pivotal in providing nutritious meals to clients in a supportive environment. You will work closely with the Head Cook, ensuring that all meals meet dietary requirements while maintaining the highest hygiene standards. This position offers the chance to make a real difference in the lives of those in temporary accommodation. If you are passionate about food and committed to high standards, this opportunity could be the perfect fit for you.

Benefits

Paid Access NI checks

Paid NISCC registrations

Health care cash back plan

Paid sick leave after probation

Qualifications

• Experience in a professional catering environment with home cooked recipes.
• Ability to manage dietary needs and maintain hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals for clients with varying dietary needs.
• Ensure kitchen hygiene meets Environmental Health standards.
• Support the Head Chef in food procurement and stock control.

Skills

Hygiene Standards

Meal Preparation

Communication Skills

Dietary Requirements Accommodation

Stock Control

Education

NVQII or City and Guilds – Catering and Hospitality

2 years’ experience in a kitchen role

Job description

JOB TITLE	Assistant Cook
LOCATION	Morning Star House, 2-12 Divis Street, Belfast, BT12 4AD
ACCOUNTABLE TO	Service Manager & Deputy Service Manager
SALARY	£12.21 per hour (£X,XXX.XX p/a pro rota) to £12.87 per hour (£X,XXX.XX p/a pro rota) OR £12.21 per hour (£X,XXX.XX p/a pro rota) rising on completion of probation period.
HOURS OF WORK	Part Time – 15 hours per week (7 day rota based)
BENEFITS	· Paid Access NI checks · Paid NISCC registrations (where the role requires) · Simply Health Level 2 – health care cash back plan · Paid sick leave 4 weeks full pay after probationary period
LENGTH OF CONTRACT	Permanent
JOB PURPOSE	To be part of the staffing team within Morning Star House assisting with the catering provisions in the temporary accommodation service. Catering is at the heart of the service and the Assistant Cook will work alongside the Head Cook to deliver nutritional meals on a daily basis. They will ensure that hygiene and cleanliness within the kitchen are of the highest standard. We provide three meals per day for up to 39 clients, aimed at ensuring that clients are nourishing their body while using the service.
KEY DUTIES & REPSONSIBLITIES
1. GENERAL TASKS	· To prepare and cook nutritious meals with varying dietary requirements. · Develop individual meal options for identified clients with specialised dietary needs. · To ensure the hygiene and cleanliness within the kitchen area are of the highest standard in accordance with Environmental Health requirements and legislation. · To follow kitchen procedures and maintain records in accordance with Environmental Health requirements. · Support the Head Chef in the procurement of food requirements. · Carry out regular stock takes and stock control procedures. · To ensure that all Morning Star House policies and procedures are being adhered to, particularly in relation to Health & Safety, Food Hygiene and employee Code of Conduct. · To undertake the role in a professional manner maintaining a high quality of standard of work, and to always work in accordance with the aims and vales of Morning Star · Generate creative and innovative ideas to challenge and contribute to Morning Star House’s ways of working.

This job description outlines the general ways in which it is expected you will meet the overall requirements of this post.

The list of tasks is not exhaustive, and duties may be varied from time to time by the line manager. This job description is subject to regular review.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Criteria	Essential	Desirable
EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE	NVQII or City and Guilds – Catering and Hospitality (or equivalent)OR2 years’ experience working in a kitchen role AND A minimum of one year’s experience of producing freshly prepared home cooked recipes in a professional catering environment.	Experience working with similar service user group with service users who present with complex needs and challenging behaviour e.g. homelessness, addictions, residential setting (experience can be from paid/ unpaid employment, voluntary work, student placement).
SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE / TRAINING	Ability to competently use ICT systems for communication and record keeping	Training previously completed in the following areas: · First Aid · Manual Handling · Basic Food Hygiene
PERSONAL SKILLS	Ability to: · Commit to maintaining high standards of hygiene in the kitchen. · An ability to accommodate specific dietary requirements. · Ensure all food is stored and handled safely in compliance with HACCP procedures. · Have excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communication effectively, establish and maintain positive working relationships with clients, colleagues as well as internal and external stakeholders · An ability to work with limited supervision and be able to undertake a range of routine tasks · An ability to work under pressure, handle multiple tasks, and maintain a positive attitude. · An ability to recognise emergency situations and act calmly in an appropriate fashion · Manage personal / professional boundaries
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS	Ability to: · Carry out moving and handling tasks · Prepared and be flexible and available to work unsocial hours (weekends)
DISPOSITION	· Flexible and adaptable to change · Understanding that places equal value on vulnerable adults and those experiencing homelessness · Willingness to work as part of a team
The successful candidates will require:
Access NI	The post is subject to an Enhanced Access NI check. Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working with Morning Star House. This will depend on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of your offences or other information contained on the disclosure certificate.

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