At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook nutritious meals for residents while ensuring health and safety standards.
- Company: Join Abbeyfield & Wesley, a dedicated association enhancing the quality of life for the elderly.
- Benefits: Earn £12.40 per hour with flexible hours, working just two days a week.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of elderly residents while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Excellent communication skills and a passion for improving elderly care are essential.
- Other info: This role requires an Enhanced Disclosure Check due to access to vulnerable adults.
Position: Supported Sheltered Cook
Hours: 2 days per week
Rate of Pay: £12.40 per hour
Closing date: 16th June 2025
All successful applicants will also be required to provide documentary evidence of their right to work in the UK. Please note Abbeyfield & Wesley Housing Association do not hold a license to sponsor Working Visas. Applicants who have applied within the last 6 months need not apply on this occasion.
Main Duties:
- Plan and prepare nutritious meals for Residents, taking into account any special dietary requirements as necessary in conjunction with the House Manager.
- Draw up healthy and hearty weekly menus.
- Prepare and monitor stock lists.
- Prepare food purchase information in line with weekly menus.
- Maintain excellent standards of Food Safety.
- Adhere to Health and Safety requirements within the House.
- Be the Abbeyfield & Wesley representative whilst in the House when interacting with visitors, answering the phone or dealing with prospective Residents.
- Encourage a supportive, homely and secure environment for the Residents.
- In the event of an emergency, keep calm and ensure to contact the correct people, which may involve making emergency calls for medical assistance or to Residents' next of kin. (Training will be provided to all employees where necessary)
Reporting Structure:
You will report directly to the House Manager or the Area Manager in their absence.
Essential Criteria:
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to plan and prepare meals for up to 7-10 people.
- A desire to encourage dignity, respect and quality of living for elderly people.
- Proven ability to work on own initiative.
- Ability to keep records and monitor stock and purchases.
Desirable Criteria:
- Food Safety qualification.
- First Aid in the workplace qualifications.
- A willingness to achieve necessary qualifications to further develop your expertise and standards of service.
This job description is not exhaustive nor does it cover every issue that may arise within this role at various times. It is not designed to be rigid or inflexible but does provide guidelines as to the expected duties undertaken whilst in post.
Abbeyfield & Wesley are unable to provide sponsorship for Visa applicants for this particular post, as such applicants must hold the right to work in the UK to be eligible. Abbeyfield & Wesley welcomes applications from all sectors of the community irrespective of age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or disability.
This post involves substantial access to vulnerable adults and children, therefore, as part of the selection process, Abbeyfield & Wesley requires an Enhanced Disclosure Check to be carried out through Access NI. Following interview, the preferred candidate will be offered the post subject to satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure Check.
This will include verification of identity and a report on the preferred candidate's full criminal history (including spent and unspent convictions), cautions, disqualifications from regulated or care positions, and any other material considered by the police to be relevant to the position applied for. A criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position.
Abbeyfield & Wesley have a policy on the secure handling, use, storage, retention & disposal of data, which is available upon request.
Contact Detail:
IrishJobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supported Sheltered Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs of elderly residents. Understanding how to cater for various health conditions can set you apart as a candidate who truly cares about the well-being of those you will be serving.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your communication skills during any interactions, whether in person or over the phone. Being able to engage effectively with residents and their families is crucial in this role, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Abbeyfield & Wesley Housing Association's values and mission. Demonstrating your alignment with their commitment to dignity and respect for elderly people can make a strong impression during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your ability to work independently and manage stock effectively. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully planned meals or maintained inventory, as these will highlight your suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Supported Sheltered Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Supported Sheltered Cook position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these duties.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous cooking or support work experience, especially in environments catering to elderly individuals. Mention specific examples that demonstrate your ability to plan and prepare meals, as well as your commitment to health and safety standards.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application that illustrate your ability to interact effectively with residents, staff, and visitors. This could include past experiences where you successfully communicated in a team or provided support to others.
Prepare for the Disclosure Check: Be ready to discuss your background during the interview process, as an Enhanced Disclosure Check will be required. If you have any concerns about your criminal history, consider reviewing Abbeyfield & Wesley's policy on recruitment for those with a criminal record before applying.
How to prepare for a job interview at IrishJobs
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and preparing meals, especially for elderly residents. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to providing nutritious and enjoyable meals.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is essential for this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with others in previous jobs. Highlight your ability to listen and respond to the needs of residents and colleagues.
✨Understand Health and Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with food safety and health regulations relevant to cooking and serving meals. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance with these standards in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, such as dealing with dietary restrictions or emergencies. Think through your responses in advance to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and calmness under pressure.