Care Home Cook
17 hours ago
Chesterfield
About the Role The Care Home Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, appetising and well-balanced meals for residents at Lavender Lodge. The successful candidate will ensure that meals are prepared to a high standard while meeting residents' individual dietary requirements, preferences, allergies and cultural needs. The role requires a caring and professional approach, with a strong commitment to food safety, hygiene and the wellbeing of residents. Key Responsibilities • Plan, prepare and cook nutritious and varied meals for residents, following agreed menus and dietary requirements., • Prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks as required., • Cater for special diets, including soft, puréed, modified-texture, diabetic, vegetarian and allergy-specific meals., • Ensure residents' food preferences and individual requirements are taken into consideration., • Maintain high standards of food presentation, taste and portion control., • Follow all food safety, hygiene and infection-control procedures., • Maintain accurate records relating to food temperatures, cleaning, stock and food safety., • Ensure the kitchen and all equipment are kept clean, safe and hygienic at all times., • Monitor food stock levels and report ordering requirements to the appropriate person., • Store food correctly and check use-by dates to minimise waste and maintain food safety., • Work within the home's policies and procedures, including COSHH and health and safety requirements., • Communicate effectively with care staff regarding residents' dietary needs and preferences., • Respond appropriately to feedback from residents and staff and make reasonable adjustments where required., • Support special occasions and events at the home by preparing appropriate meals and refreshments., • Minimise food waste while maintaining appropriate quality and choice., • Report any concerns regarding food safety, equipment or residents' dietary requirements to the Home Manager or relevant senior member of staff., • Undertake other reasonable catering duties as required. Requirements • Previous experience working as a cook, preferably within a care home, healthcare or similar setting., • Good knowledge of food hygiene and safe food-handling practices., • Understanding of special dietary requirements and modified-texture diets., • Ability to prepare nutritious and appealing meals for a range of dietary needs., • Good organisational and time-management skills., • Ability to work independently and as part of a team., • Good communication skills., • Reliable, responsible and able to work flexibly., • A caring and respectful attitude towards older people and vulnerable adults. JBRP1_UKTJ
Richard V.Active 3 hours ago