Cook

Orchard Care Homes; Virginia; On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Employee discounts

Recognition awards

Long service awards

Employee Assistance Programme

Pension scheme

DBS check

Job summary

Orchard Care Homes in Virginia is seeking a Kitchen Chef/Cook for a 22-hour-per-week role at Millfield Nursing Home. You will plan, prepare and cook nutritious meals, lead a small kitchen team, manage orders and stock, and ensure HACCP and health & safety standards are met. You will also handle cleaning schedules and dietary needs for residents.

The role rewards staff with training and development opportunities, and a supportive working environment within a caring home setting.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of HACCP, Health & Safety regulations
• Ability to plan and prepare nutritious meals
• Experience supervising kitchen staff and managing supplies

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook a variety of meals that are nutritious and cater to individual preferences and dietary needs
• Supervise a kitchen team and coordinate daily meal preparation
• Manage food orders, stock levels and equipment maintenance
• Ensure kitchen follows food safety guidelines and stays clean and compliant
• Maintain stock rotation to ensure freshness and quality
• Know texture-modified diets and allergens and plan meals accordingly

Skills

Cooking

Team leadership

Dietary awareness

Education

Food safety training (HACCP)

Job description

It’s true what they say, the kitchen is the heart of the home. At Orchard Healthcare Group, our kitchens are no different. They are at the centre of all our homes and provide delicious, and nutritious home cooked meals for everyone.

Location

Millfield Nursing Home -

Care HomeChef / Cook – 22hrs per week

Rates of Pay

per hour

Introduction to the role

A talented Chef can bring to life a few ingredients that evoke memories of the past and bring warmth to an individual.

Orchard values its kitchen staff, and we reward colleagues with training, support and the freedom to cook up a storm.

Working with the Home Manager and care staff, you will create nutritious and balanced meals that cater for the individual needs of those living in the home. You will supervise a dedicated team to prepare daily meals, manage the food orders, stock levels and maintenance of vital equipment.

Following food safety guidelines, you will ensure the kitchen is fit for purpose and able to complete the daily meals on time.

What You'll Be Doing

To plan, prepare and cook a variety of meals which are appealing, nutritious and centres around the individuals’ preferences, requests or any special dietary requirements, to follow Orchard Care Homes’ Good Food Guide and, where appropriate, make amendments after authorisation from the Support Centre.

To be active and encouraging, provide advice and guidance for the team ensuring the Care Home is a friendly, supportive working environment.

To understand and comply with all statutory and legal requirements which are relevant such as HACCP, Health & Safety, COSHH, Environmental Health, all aspects of the Care Standards Act, have a clear understanding of Infection Prevention and Control policies, procedures and measures to maintain a safe environment throughout the home.

Implement, monitor and maintain cleaning schedules that meet the requirements of the Food Safety Manual, and ensure that all areas of the kitchen are immaculately clean. This will include the washing up of pots, pans and dishes when required.

Ensure sufficient food stocks are ordered and received from approved suppliers and that stock rotation is taking place to maintain optimum freshness of all foodstuffs ensuring the highest quality expected within Orchard Care Home.

Knowledge of texture modified diets and food allergens

Knowledge of modified diets and creating specific meal plans to suit an individual’s needs.

Everything You’ll Love

• Career development from day one, with clear progression pathways
• Hundreds of colleague discounts every month across shopping, holidays, dining, tech, and more
• Excellent employee recognition schemes such as
• ‘Making a Difference” award
• Long Service Awards
• Free emotional, practical, and financial support that’s fully confidential, through an Employee Assistance Programme helpline and wellbeing app that’s available 24/7, all year round
• Company-supported pension scheme to invest in your future
• Fully funded DBS check

About Orchard Care Homes

For more than 15 years, Orchard Healthcare Group has been dedicated to delivering exceptional care for older people and being an active, trusted part of the local community. We are committed to delivering care we would want for our own families.

We invest in our people and support continuous professional development, offering a wide range of training and progression opportunities across our portfolio of homes.

We proudly support the Armed Forces community and welcome applications from veterans, reservists, and military spouses as part of our commitment to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We value the unique skills and experiences that service personnel bring and are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.