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- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious, nutritious meals while engaging service users in food prep activities.
- Company: Join CrossReach, a leading social care provider in Scotland with over 150 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy exclusive discounts, a generous pension plan, health cash plan, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by providing excellent service in a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have an Elementary Food Handling Certificate and previous catering experience.
- Other info: Respect for Christian worship is essential; must join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.
We are seeking a dedicated Cook to join our team, reporting to the Unit Manager. You will prepare and serve nutritionally balanced and appealing meals tailored to our service users’ needs. Maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety, you will also encourage service user participation in daily activities.
Your responsibilities include planning varied menus, catering to special dietary requirements, and incorporating fresh produce into meals. You will manage food stock, order supplies, oversee meal preparation and serving, and engage in "home baking" to reflect service users’ wishes. Additionally, you will involve service users in food preparation activities and supervise other catering staff.
Candidates should hold an Elementary Food Handling Certificate and have previous catering experience. A working knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and basic computer literacy is essential. Respect for Christian worship is important, and you must be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If you are passionate about providing excellent service, we encourage you to apply.
We also offer you a range of benefits that you would expect from an organisation that support others.
Firstly, there is access to a wide range of exclusive retail and leisure discounts through our rewards scheme and the Blue Light Discount card. We also ensure that your future and that of your loved ones is secured with a generous contributory pension plan and death in service benefit. Balancing work and family are made easier with our suite of enhanced family friendly policies and your health and wellness are prioritised with access to our health cash plan, giving you cash back for a wide range of health treatments. We even have access to a care concierge service to assist you with life’s challenges, providing invaluable support when you need it most.
But we also know that your training and development is important to you, and as well as a contribution to your professional membership fees, we are keen to support you in making the right steps to learn, grow and develop in ways that are right for you.
CrossReach has been at the forefront of high quality social care for over 150 years, providing loving care to people of all ages and supporting them to live life to the full whatever their circumstances. During that time, we have worked hard to understand the needs of the people who turn to us for help and with them have been at the forefront of pioneering services which have literally changed thousands of lives for the better.
Today we are one of the largest social care providers in Scotland, with experience across a broad range of services. We are still growing, learning, and improving, thanks to the incredible people we have the privilege to support, and all those who support us. We are part of the Church of Scotland and aim to provide social care services and specialist resources in Christ’s name to further the caring work of the Church to people in challenging circumstances.
As a Christian organisation, you will need to have a respect for all aspects of Christian worship.
You will also need to become amember of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme and undertake the necessary vetting checks.You will also be required to adhere to the SSSC Code of practice.
We have a legal obligation to ensure that we do not employ any worker who has not been granted the relevant permission to work in the UK. This permission is without exception granted by UK Visas and Immigrations. We are required to check the entitlement to work in the UK of all prospective employees, regardless of nationality or job category.
We are committed to ensuring that we attract, retain, and develop the very best people to build a diverse and talented team and we recognise that every individual’s unique background, experience and ability contributes to our success. We aim to create an inclusive and inspiring environment where individuals feel valued and respected and where people can belong, thrive and be their very best, whoever they are.
If you have any queries regarding this role or our recruitment process, please contact the Recruitment team on recruitment.team@crossreach.org.uk
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert prior to the closing date. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
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Application Process: Please apply for this post by completing the application process on Jobtrain. You can find out more about our recruitment process here
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CV Upload: DO NOT upload a CV as this will not be used for shortlisting purposes.
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Deadline: Posts close at midnight on the indicated date.
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Application Assistance: For help completing an application through Jobtrain, please click here
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Accessibility : To view our recruitment accessibility statement, please click here
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Communication: Please note that most of our communication is via email; therefore, please ensure you enter your email address accurately and ensure that "Jobtrian" and "CrossReach" are marked as safe email address. However, we will at times also call you or send you a text message.
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Check Email Regularly: Please check your email regularly (including junk folders) and also your Jobtrain account for updates.
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Support Hub: For advice and support with any system issues, please contact Jobtrain Candidate Support Hub here
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Browser Recommendation: We recommend using the internet browsers "Google Chrome" or "Microsoft Edge" when using Jobtrain.
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Amendments: Once you have submitted your application form, you will be unable to make any amendments.
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Further help – If you need any help at any stage, you can contact the Recruitment Team on
Candidates should hold an Elementary Food Handling Certificate and have previous catering experience. A working knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and basic computer literacy is essential. Respect for Christian worship is important, and you must be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If you are passionate about providing excellent service, we encourage you to apply.
-
Application Process: Please apply for this post by completing the application process on Jobtrain. You can find out more about our recruitment process here
-
CV Upload: DO NOT upload a CV as this will not be used for shortlisting purposes.
-
Deadline: Posts close at midnight on the indicated date.
-
Application Assistance: For help completing an application through Jobtrain, please click here
-
Accessibility : To view our recruitment accessibility statement, please click here
-
Communication: Please note that most of our communication is via email; therefore, please ensure you enter your email address accurately and ensure that "Jobtrian" and "CrossReach" are marked as safe email address. However, we will at times also call you or send you a text message.
-
Check Email Regularly: Please check your email regularly (including junk folders) and also your Jobtrain account for updates.
-
Support Hub: For advice and support with any system issues, please contact Jobtrain Candidate Support Hub here
-
Browser Recommendation: We recommend using the internet browsers "Google Chrome" or "Microsoft Edge" when using Jobtrain.
-
Amendments: Once you have submitted your application form, you will be unable to make any amendments.
-
Further help – If you need any help at any stage, you can contact the Recruitment Team on
Cook employer: CrossReach
Contact Detail:
CrossReach Recruiting Team
recruitment.team@crossreach.org.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific dietary needs and preferences of the service users. This will not only help you in menu planning but also show your commitment to providing personalized care, which is highly valued in this role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have with engaging service users in food preparation activities. This demonstrates your ability to foster participation and create a welcoming environment, aligning with the organization's values.
✨Tip Number 3
Make sure you understand the importance of hygiene and safety standards in a catering environment. Being able to discuss relevant legislation and best practices during your interview will set you apart as a knowledgeable candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Since respect for Christian worship is essential, consider reflecting on how your personal values align with the organization's mission. Being able to articulate this connection can strengthen your application and show your commitment to their ethos.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Cook as outlined in the job description. Highlight your experience in preparing nutritionally balanced meals and managing food stock in your application.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your application to reflect your passion for providing excellent service and your respect for Christian worship, as these are important aspects of the role.
Follow Application Instructions: Remember not to upload a CV, as it will not be used for shortlisting. Instead, focus on completing the application form thoroughly and accurately.
Check Your Email Regularly: Since most communication will be via email, ensure that you enter your email address correctly and check it regularly, including your junk folder, for any updates regarding your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at CrossReach
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for preparing nutritious and appealing meals. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your dedication to catering to diverse dietary needs.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Hygiene Standards
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of hygiene and safety regulations in the kitchen. Mention any relevant certifications, like the Elementary Food Handling Certificate, and how you apply these standards in your work.
✨Engage with Service User Participation
Talk about your approach to involving service users in meal preparation and daily activities. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully encouraged participation and made cooking a fun and inclusive experience.
✨Respect for Christian Values
Since this role is within a Christian organization, be ready to discuss your respect for Christian worship and values. Share how you can contribute to creating a supportive environment that aligns with the organization's mission.