At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Cook, providing nutritious meals for patients and ensuring food safety.
- Company: Be part of Derbyshire Community Health Services, a leading community healthcare provider in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while working in a top-rated NHS organisation.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a passion for cooking and caring for others.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available; perfect for students looking to gain experience in healthcare.
Do you want to make a difference? If so, an opportunity has arisen for you to join our team as a Cook at Ilkeston Community Hospital. You will be responsible for the provision of the patient meal service, carried out by undertaking approved processes and procedures, to ensure the quality and temperature of meals at service are safe and appropriate and within the guidelines of Food Hygiene Legislation.
You will be expected to maintain the required hygiene standards and safe systems of work. Part of your role will also be to provide assistance and information, as required, in respect of patient meals and menus and to provide a point of contact between the catering provision and the wards to identify any issues or specific dietary requirements.
Ensure Food Hygiene Regulations and procedures are adhered to and regular checks and audits are undertaken. To predict daily catering demands and be responsible for the ordering of provisions and materials to meet the demand. Monitoring of meals produced for quality and appearance and undertaking meal surveys.
On a daily basis: responsibility for the collating of menus and other catering requirements, taking into account all dietary requirements and ensuring sufficient quantities of food and other resources are available to meet these demands. To ensure a quality and nutritious patient meal service is provided at all times. To participate in the cooks rota in the daily production of all meals.
We are a large community Trust covering all of Derbyshire we have strong values and patient care is at the centre of our values and vision. Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust (DCHS) is one of the largest providers of specialist community healthcare in England and we currently employ around 4,500 staff. We deliver a variety of services across Derbyshire, caring for nearly 1.8 million patients each year.
We deliver patient care through 7 community hospitals, 4 minor injury units, 29 health centres and a learning disability centre. Another key part of our service is out in the community where we care for people in their own homes via therapists, health visitors and district nurses, and promoting public health in the wider community. As a Trust we care for patients of all ages with a special focus on the needs of elderly people and the very young.
DCHS has been recognised as a top 10 NHS organisation to work for in the UK by the Health Service Journal and NHS Employers in their Best Places to Work 2015 campaign. The Trust is also the runner-up in the category for the best NHS community trust employer.
Our Vision: “To be the best provider of local health care and be a great place to work.”
Our Values: To get the basics right, to act with compassion and respect, to make a difference, to value and develop teamwork, and to value everyone’s contribution: “everyone matters.”
Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification. To apply, please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB - this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account.
This advert closes on Thursday 19 Dec 2024.
Cook Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust employer: Derbyshire Community Health Services
Contact Detail:
Derbyshire Community Health Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Food Hygiene Regulations and best practices in food safety. Being knowledgeable about these guidelines will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in meal preparation.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience with dietary requirements and menu planning. Be prepared to discuss how you've catered to specific dietary needs in the past, as this is a crucial part of the role and will highlight your ability to provide quality patient care.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust and their values. Understanding their mission and how they prioritise patient care will allow you to align your answers with their core values during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've worked effectively in a team environment. Since teamwork is a key value for the Trust, sharing specific instances where you've collaborated successfully with others will strengthen your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Cook position. Highlight key skills such as food hygiene knowledge, meal preparation, and dietary awareness that are essential for the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience in catering and food service. Emphasise any previous roles where you maintained hygiene standards, managed meal services, or worked in a healthcare setting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for patient care and your commitment to providing quality meals. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to meet dietary needs and maintain high standards of food safety.
Highlight Teamwork and Communication Skills: Since the role involves liaising with wards and understanding patient needs, make sure to highlight your teamwork and communication skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Derbyshire Community Health Services
✨Know Your Food Hygiene Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the Food Hygiene Regulations and procedures relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your cooking practices, as this is crucial for patient safety.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Dietary Needs
Show that you understand the importance of catering to specific dietary requirements. Be ready to provide examples of how you've accommodated different dietary needs in previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since teamwork is a core value of the Trust, be sure to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others in a kitchen or healthcare setting. This will demonstrate your ability to work well within their team.
✨Prepare Questions About Patient Care
Think of insightful questions regarding how the Trust prioritises patient care in its meal services. This shows your genuine interest in the role and aligns with their vision of making a difference in patients' lives.