Cook

Job description

Summary

Reports to

  • Hospitality Manager.

Duties

  • Ensure cleaning schedules are adhered to.

  • Assist in preparing menus, including preferences, special diets and foods as needed.

  • Cook and serve a hot dinner/lunch.

  • Prepare a cold and hot option for tea/supper.

  • Make cold and hot desert options.

  • Assist in maintaining an efficient stock control system.

Requirements

  • Good english.

  • Can commute to Ashfield within an hour.

  • Qualification in cookery (e.g., college/city and guilds/HNC).

  • Proficient computer/written skills.

  • Problem solving skills.

  • Communications skills.

  • Experience in a similar role.

 Specific Requirements for application

* = essential requirements

    • * Good English.

      • Written & verbal.

    • * Can commute to Ashfield within an hour .

    • * Approved elementary Food Hygiene certificate.

    • * Qualification in cookery (e.g., college/city and guilds/HNC).

    • Qualification in textured modified foods.

    • Qualification in serving moulded foods.

    • Flexible.

      • Must be able to work across a variety of shifts.

    • * Proficient computer/written skills.

      • To maintain all catering records and audits in accordance with our Home's policies to ensure standards compliance.

    • * Problem solving skills.

      • Adapt and address situations quickly.

      • Recognise and report situations where there might be a need for protection.

    • * Communication skills.

      • Build rapport with Residents by establishing personal connections and showing genuine interest in their lives.

      • Liaise appropriately with all visitors and callers to our Home.

    • Previous experience in a similar environment.

      • E.g. working in a home care.

    • * Previous experience in a similar role.

    • Previous experience of working with people who have additional support needs.

      • E.g. elderly people with dementia.

Your Duties

    • Meal Preparation and Cooking: Prepare and cook nutritious meals for residents in line with planned menus and dietary requirements.

    • Dietary and Nutritional Needs: Ensure meals meet residents’ individual dietary needs, including modified textures, allergies, and medical diets.

    • Menu Planning Support: Assist with planning balanced menus that provide variety and meet nutritional guidelines for older adults.

    • Food Hygiene and Safety: Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and safe food handling in line with food safety regulations.

    • Kitchen Organisation: Keep the kitchen clean, organised, and well stocked, ensuring all equipment is used safely and maintained properly.

    • Stock Control and Ordering: Monitor food supplies, check deliveries, and assist with ordering ingredients to ensure adequate stock levels.

    • Portion Control and Presentation: Prepare meals in appropriate portion sizes and present food in an appealing way to encourage residents to eat well.

    • Special Meal Requests: Adapt meals when necessary to accommodate residents’ preferences, cultural needs, or health requirements.

    • Record Keeping: Maintain records such as temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and food safety documentation.

    • Assist with the induction of new starters in accordance with Ashfield Nursing Home’s policy.

    • Be polite and respectful in communication with staff, residents, or external visitors.

    • Develop effective working relationships with other employees within the service.

    • Work in cooperation with members of the multi-disciplinary teams to maximise opportunities for people in the service.

    • Promote the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of residents at all times. This includes maintaining an environment free from abuse, neglect, or harm.

    • Remain vigilant to any signs or indicators of abuse—whether physical, emotional, financial, sexual, or neglect.

    • Act in accordance with the organisation’s safeguarding policies and procedures. 

    • Be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of those individuals one supports.

    • Attend all statutory training, meetings and any others as directed by a manager.

    • Knowledge of, and work within, the Fundamental Standards.

    • Understand the regulatory framework that governs the service, including the role of CQC and their requirements.

    • Commit to achieving the relevant qualifications with the role.

    • Understand and follow all policies and procedures relevant to the role.

    • Understand and follow all relevant risk assessments.

    • Be open to learning opportunities.

Core Values

  • Organised

    • Be proactive instead of reactive. Be aware of when things start to run off the rails and help to get it back on track.

    • Contribute your ideas or concerns before it’s too late.

    • Question whether you need to involve your supervisor at that moment or whether you can put a temporary solution in place until you notify them at a better time.

    • Start making decisions within your space of responsibility. Build confidence and competence will follow.

  • Focussed

    • Understand the duties associated with your position.

    • Contribute your individual efforts towards our team goal.

    • If there’s something worrying you that isn’t effecting either of the above, find and notify the relevant person so they can be concerned about it. You can then return to your duties and goals.

  • Dedicated

    • Stay long term and commit to our purpose and contribute to our achievements.

    • If your current role isn’t right for you, talk to us and suggest how you still contribute to our cause elsewhere.

Our Core Values are vital and timeless guiding principles, that attract like-minded people. We also review, reward and recognise our employees based on these values.

Demonstrate the values and behaviours we expect from our team members regarding their daily interactions for/with residents, visitors, colleagues and other professionals.