Cook

Adamstan House Nursing Home; Brighton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A long-term care facility in Brighton is seeking a Cook responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving nutritious meals for residents. The ideal candidate will ensure meals meet dietary needs and comply with safety regulations. Previous experience in healthcare cooking is preferred. This position involves working in a fast-paced kitchen environment with some weekend and holiday shifts required.

Qualifications

• Experience in cooking for healthcare, long-term care, or institutional settings is advantageous.
• Knowledge of modified diets preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals according to planned menus and dietary guidelines.
• Follow food safety regulations and maintain cleanliness.
• Monitor food and supply inventory and assist with deliveries.
• Coordinate with dietary staff for timely meal service.

Skills

Strong cooking and food preparation skills

Ability to follow recipes, menus, and dietary guidelines accurately

Good organizational and time-management skills

Attention to detail regarding special diets and safety

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Education

Previous experience as a cook, preferably in healthcare

Job description

The Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving nutritious, appetizing meals for residents in accordance with established menus, dietary requirements, and safe food-handling practices. This role plays a key part in supporting residents’ health, comfort, and overall dining experience in a long-term care environment.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Cooking

• Prepare and cook meals according to planned menus, recipes, and dietary guidelines.
• Ensure meals meet residents’ nutritional needs, texture modifications, allergies, and special diets.
• Portion and serve food attractively and consistently.
• Maintain proper temperatures for hot and cold foods throughout preparation and service.

Sanitation & Safety

• Follow all food safety regulations, including safe food handling, storage, and sanitation protocols.
• Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, and food storage areas.
• Monitor and record refrigerator, freezer, and food temperatures as required.
• Comply with infection control policies and facility safety procedures.

Inventory & Kitchen Operations

• Monitor food and supply inventory; inform supervisor of shortages.
• Rotate stock and ensure proper labelling and dating of products.
• Assist with receiving and storing deliveries.
• Use equipment such as ovens, mixers, slicers, and dishwashers safely and properly.

Teamwork & Communication

• Coordinate with dietary staff to ensure timely meal service.
• Communicate menu changes, resident preferences, or issues with the Manager.
• Work cooperatively with nursing and caregiving staff to meet residents’ dining needs.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a cook, preferably in healthcare, long-term care, or institutional cooking.
• Knowledge of modified diets (pureed, diabetic, low-sodium, etc.) preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong cooking and food preparation skills.
• Ability to follow recipes, menus, and dietary guidelines accurately.
• Good organizational and time-management skills.
• Attention to detail, especially regarding special diets and safety.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Work Environment

Fast-paced kitchen environment within a nursing home.

Requires standing for long periods, lifting up to 30–50 lbs, and exposure to heat and cleaning chemicals.

Will require weekends and holiday shifts.