Part Time Cook - Independent Living Retirement

ICare Group; West Lancashire; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare service provider in West Lancashire is seeking a dedicated Cook for a retirement facility, focusing on planning and preparing balanced meals for elderly residents with varying dietary needs. This part-time role requires experience as a chef, relevant qualifications in cookery and food hygiene, and a compassionate approach to care. Working hours are 6:30am – 2:30pm two days a week, including weekends. Join us and make a difference in the lives of our residents!

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a chef, preferably in a residential establishment.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements for older adults and those with medical conditions.
• Experience working with varied dietary needs is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and cook meals in accordance with dietary requirements.
• Supervise service assistants or support staff during shifts.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Communication

Interpersonal abilities

Compassion and patience

Education

NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or higher)

Job description

Job Title: Cook (Independent Living Retirement facility)

Location: Lytham St Annes (Links View)

Job Type: Part-time (15 hours per week)

Salary: £12.21 per hour

Reports To: Chef/Kitchen Manager & Operations Management

Job Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Chef to join our team at a residential retirement facility, where nutritious, well-balanced meals are a key part of the high standard of service we provide to our residents. The successful candidate will be passionate about food, committed to hygiene and safety standards, and sensitive to the dietary needs of elderly and vulnerable individuals.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and cook meals in accordance with dietary requirements, preferences, and nutritional guidelines.
• Work under own initiative with the guidance of the Chef/Kitchen Manager and Operations Management.
• Design weekly menus in collaboration with Chef/Kitchen Manager and Operations Management, ensuring a variety of nutritionally balanced meals and maintaining budgetary control.
• Ensure food is served on time (service commences at 12:15pm) and at the correct temperature.
• Cater to specific dietary needs including diabetic-friendly meals, and allergy-aware dishes.
• Produce for buffets and themed events for special days and functions periodically under guidance from Chef/Manager.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen at all times (we currently have and wish to maintain our 5-star hygiene rating).
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP) and internal policies.
• Monitor and manage stock levels, portion control, monthly stock takes, ordering supplies as needed in the absence of Chef/Kitchen Manager. Also, minimise waste/over production when producing dishes at all times.
• Liaise with Chef/Kitchen Manager and Operations Management to receive feedback and make necessary adjustments to meals.
• Supervise service assistants or support staff during shifts.
• Proactive in daily, weekly and monthly cleaning schedules.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a chef, preferably in a residential establishment.
• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent qualification).
• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or higher).
• Knowledge of dietary requirements for older adults and those with medical conditions.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Compassionate, patient, and respectful approach to elderly people.

Desirable

• Experience working with older clientele with varied dietary needs.
• First Aid training.
• Familiarity with CQC standards (Care Quality Commission).

Working Hours

6.30am – 2.30pm, 2 days per week including weekend working (including a half hour break). The Employee is also expected to provide holiday and sickness cover as required and must maintain flexibility to support 7-day operational coverage.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Whether you are an experienced caregiver or new to the field, ICare Group provides training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and expand your career in the healthcare industry. If you are enthusiastic about care and making a positive impact, we would love to hear from you! Join us at ICare Group and help us make a difference, one visit at a time!

Equal Opportunities

ICare Group is an Equal Opportunities employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that supports and respects all individuals. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any legally protected characteristic.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact us. Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive suitable applications. If you do not hear back from us within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion.

#INDHCW