Care Home Chef

AESN Limited; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A care home provider in Kingston upon Thames is seeking a Carehome Chef to prepare high-quality meals and cater to various dietary needs. Responsibilities include menu development, ensuring food safety compliance, and supervising junior kitchen staff while engaging residents for their dining preferences. Essential qualifications include a relevant catering qualification and Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate, alongside experience in a healthcare setting. This role emphasizes strong communication skills and compliance with safeguarding policies.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a relevant catering qualification and Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate are essential.
• Previous experience cooking for older people or in a care/healthcare setting is desirable.
• Knowledge of safeguarding adults policies is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and cook high-quality meals for residents.
• Create varied and balanced menus in consultation with residents.
• Cater to dietary requirements and manage food safety compliance.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Empathy

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Relevant catering qualification (e.g., City & Guilds Level 1 & 2, NVQ Level 3)

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Job: CAREHOME CHEF

CAREHOME CHEF

CAREHOME CHEF

CAREHOME CHEF

Key Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation and Service : Plan, prepare, and cook high-quality hot and cold meals and beverages daily, ensuring they are well-presented and served on time.
• Menu Development : Create varied, balanced, and seasonal menus in consultation with residents and management, incorporating resident preferences and feedback to enhance their dining experience.
• Specialized Dietary Needs : Cater to a wide range of dietary requirements, including specific allergies, cultural choices (e.g., Kosher, Halal, vegetarian, vegan), diabetes management, and texture-modified diets (e.g., pureed or minced meals as per the IDDSI framework) for residents with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).
• Health and Safety Compliance : Maintain high standards of kitchen hygiene and food safety in line with EHO (Environmental Health Officer) regulations, including managing the HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points) and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) documentation.
• Stock and Budget Management : Monitor and control food costs, order supplies from nominated suppliers, manage inventory, and minimise waste effectively.
• Kitchen Management : Ensure all kitchen equipment is in good working order and safely used, and report any faults immediately.
• Team Collaboration and Supervision : Work closely with care staff to understand residents' current needs and health changes, and supervise and train junior kitchen staff.
• Resident Engagement : Interact with residents in a friendly and professional manner to gather feedback and ensure their dining preferences are met, occasionally supporting special events or cooking activities.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Qualifications : A relevant catering qualification (e.g., City & Guilds Level 1 & 2, NVQ Level 3 in Catering or equivalent) and a minimum of a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate are essential.
• Experience : Previous experience cooking for older people or in a care / healthcare setting is often required or highly desirable.
• Skills : Strong communication skills, empathy, time management, the ability to work independently or as part of a team, and attention to detail are crucial.
• Compliance : Knowledge of safeguarding adults policies and a valid Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check are mandatory for working with vulnerable people.