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Job Title: Cook Working Hours: 37 Hours Per Week, Mon - Fri Contract: 2 Month Contract, with the possibility of an extension Pay Rate: £13.26 Per Hour Location: Marrow House Residential Home, ST3 1SQ Job Purpose Residential Home setting. The Cook is responsible for the preparation, cooking, and delivery of varied and nutritious meals in a kitchen that serves fewer than 200 meals daily. The role involves menu planning, managing dietary requirements, food safety, stock control, and informal supervision of kitchen staff. The cook will contribute to the quality of life and well-being of service users, particularly older adults, including those living with dementia. Key Responsibilities - Prepare and cook a range of nutritious and appetising meals to meet the needs and preferences of service users. - Plan menus to meet dietary, nutritional, and cultural requirements in consultation with service users and carers. - Manage stock control, including ordering supplies, storage, rotation, and maintaining accurate records. - Monitor and maintain kitchen hygiene, health and safety standards, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. - Carry out hazard analysis and monitor food and appliance temperatures. - Ensure safe use and storage of all cleaning and domestic products in accordance with COSHH regulations. - Provide informal supervision and direction to kitchen staff on a day-to-day basis. - Promote effective communication and build positive relationships with service users, carers, colleagues, and external partners. - Participate in team meetings, supervision, performance reviews, and training activities. - Contribute to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults by reporting concerns promptly. - Adhere to all relevant policies, procedures, and codes of practice. - Person Specification - Qualifications & Training - City & Guilds 706 1 and 2 or Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery (Essential) - Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (Essential) - Willingness to undertake ongoing personal development and training Experience & Knowledge - Knowledge of health and safety, COSHH, and food hazard analysis (Essential) - Experience of kitchen management including budgeting, ordering, and stock control - Experience planning menus and accommodating special dietary and cultural needs - Skills & Attributes - Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team - Strong organisational and time-management skills - Ability to supervise and support other staff informally - Calm, responsible attitude, especially in emergencies - Effective communication with service users and professionals - Positive and empathetic approach to working with older adults, particularly those with dementia