Care Home Cook

Avon Search; Worthing; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Supportive team

Job summary

Avon Search is seeking an experienced Care Home Cook in Worthing to join the kitchen team. You will prepare fresh, nutritious meals for up to 28 residents, meeting dietary needs and adhering to high hygiene standards.

The role requires prior cooking experience in care settings, with a Food Hygiene Certificate preferred. The position offers a friendly team and stable hours in a specialist residential care home.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Cook, Chef, or Care Home Cook.
• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above desirable).
• Experience cooking for older adults or in a healthcare setting is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook fresh, nutritious meals for up to 28 residents.
• Cater for specialist diets and nutritional requirements.
• Plan varied menus reflecting resident preferences and seasonal produce.
• Maintain food hygiene, cleanliness and kitchen safety.
• Monitor stock levels and assist with ordering provisions.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety and HACCP procedures.

Skills

Cooking

Food hygiene

Meal planning

Independence

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2+)

Job description

Location: Worthing, West Sussex
Hours: Full time
Pay: £17.60 – £18.50 per hour

About the Home

We are recruiting on behalf of a welcoming, specialist residential care home in Worthing that supports 28 residents living with a range of dementia and cognitive conditions, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Schizophrenia.

This small, homely service is dedicated to providing outstanding person-centred care in a warm and supportive environment where residents are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. The home places great importance on creating an enjoyable dining experience, with nutritious, home-cooked meals playing a key role in residents’ wellbeing and quality of life.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Care Home Cook to join the kitchen team. You will be responsible for preparing fresh, nutritious, and appetising meals that meet residents’ individual dietary needs and preferences while maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene and safety.

This is an excellent opportunity for a caring and reliable cook who enjoys making a positive difference through great food and takes pride in delivering high-quality meals every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook fresh, nutritious, home-cooked meals for up to 28 residents.
• Cater for specialist diets, allergies, texture-modified meals, and individual nutritional requirements.
• Plan varied and balanced menus that reflect residents’ preferences and seasonal produce.
• Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and kitchen safety.
• Monitor stock levels, rotate food supplies, and assist with ordering provisions.
• Ensure full compliance with Food Safety and HACCP procedures.
• Work closely with the care team to create a positive and enjoyable dining experience for residents.

About You

• Previous experience as a Cook, Chef, or Care Home Cook.
• Good knowledge of food hygiene regulations and safe food preparation.
• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above desirable).
• Experience preparing meals for older people or within a healthcare setting is advantageous.
• Well organised, reliable, and able to work independently.
• Friendly, caring, and passionate about providing high-quality meals that support residents’ health and wellbeing.

Why Apply?

This role offers a competitive pay rate of £17.60–£18.50 per hour, and the opportunity to work within a friendly, specialist residential care home where you’ll play an important role in enhancing residents’ quality of life through nutritious, freshly prepared meals. You’ll be joining a supportive team that values quality, compassion, and person-centred care.