Sous Chef - Fixed-term Contract

Cornerstone Healthcare Group; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking an experienced Second Chef to join their award-winning team. The role involves preparing nutritious meals for residents in a care home setting, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, and managing kitchen operations. The ideal candidate will have experience in a similar environment and possess strong leadership and communication skills. The position offers a benefits package worth up to £5,000, including enhanced pay for overtime and a healthcare cash plan.

Benefits

Enhanced pay for overtime and bank holidays

Monthly overtime raffle

Refer a friend scheme

Fully funded RQF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care

Healthcare cash plan worth up to £700

Free uniform laundered on-site

Subsidised lunch on-site

Recognition and rewards

Access to the Blue Light Card

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience as a Chef in a Care Home setting.
• Knowledge of COSHH, Food Hygiene, and food safety regulations.
• Experience with IDDSI and specialised diet provision.

Responsibilities

• Collaborating with the Head Chef to prepare meals for residents.
• Maintaining compliance with Health & Safety and Food Hygiene Standards.
• Managing kitchen staff and operations in the absence of the Head Chef.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Organisational

Creativity

Flexibility

Education

RQF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care

Job description

About The Role

Cornerstone Healthcare is seeking an experienced and passionate Second Chef to join our award-winning team at Kitnocks House on a 12-month Fixed-term contract.

Kitnocks House is a 63-bed service comprising four specialised units, each providing high-quality, tailored care to residents with complex conditions. We focus on the person behind the diagnosis and are proud to be rated Good by the CQC.

What hours will you work?

Working for us offers more personal time with a 7 out of 14 day working pattern:

• Week A – 3 days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (06:45 to 17:15)
• Week B – 4 days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday (06:45 to 17:15)

Average of 42 hours per week.

What will you be doing?

• Collaborating with the Head Chef and kitchen staff to plan and prepare nutritious meals for residents.
• Ensuring food preparation aligns with IDDSI guidelines and meets residents' dietary needs as identified by the clinical team.
• In the absence of the Head Chef, visiting new residents and liaising with nurses to understand dietary requirements.
• Gathering and acting on feedback regarding food quality and choices from staff, residents, and relatives.
• Maintaining compliance with Health & Safety, Infection Prevention & Control, Food Hygiene Standards, and COSHH regulations.
• Representing the home during unannounced inspections, such as Environmental Health visits, and sharing improvement actions with the Head Chef.
• Ensuring food presentation is appetising and appealing, with attention to detail.
• Keeping the kitchen clean and following opening and closing procedures diligently.

What do you need?

• At least 1 year of experience as a Chef in a Care Home setting.
• Knowledge of COSHH, Food Hygiene, and food safety regulations.
• Experience with IDDSI and specialised diet provision (essential).
• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene practices.
• Ability to support menu planning, food prep, and uphold high standards.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• Leadership and organisational skills for managing kitchen staff and operations.
• Creative approach to menu development and food presentation.
• Skills in inventory management and cost control.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing needs and dietary requirements.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, maintaining attention to detail.
• A proactive, positive attitude committed to delivering excellent service in a care setting.

Benefits package worth up to £5,000 (T&Cs apply)

• Enhanced pay for overtime and bank holidays
• Monthly overtime raffle – win an extra £200 for picking up shifts
• Refer a friend scheme – earn up to £1,000
• Fully funded RQF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care
• Healthcare cash plan worth up to £700, including dental, optical, and 24/7 mental health support
• Free uniform laundered on-site
• Subsidised lunch on-site
• Recognition and rewards – vouchers, cash bonuses, and long service treats
• Access to the Blue Light Card – over 13,000 discounts
• And much more!

Keywords: second chef, head chef, kitchen assistant, care home, cook, kitchen manager, assistant chef

About Us

Cornerstone Healthcare provides specialist care for vulnerable individuals with challenging behaviours related to neurodegenerative and mental health conditions.

Residents typically have neurological degenerative conditions such as Dementia combined with mental health issues, making them unsuitable for standard dementia or elderly residential care homes.

We currently operate three services in Waterlooville, Curdridge, and Mytchett, with plans to open two new services in Bristol and Birmingham in 2025.