At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and prepare 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 as needed.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of elderly residents while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills and ability to cook for small groups; food safety qualifications are a plus.
- Other info: This role requires an Enhanced Disclosure Check due to access to vulnerable adults.
Hours: As and when required
Rate of Pay: £12.40 per hour
Closing Date: 8th July 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.
The successful Candidate will join us at an exciting time in the Associations development and be a key player in the successful running of the House in delivering the excellent service Abbeyfield & Wesley are renowned for. Working in conjunction with the House Manager, the Support Worker will assist in the planning and preparation of meals for Residents, ensure that Health and Safety standards are being met, take part in drills relating to fire protocols and actively encourage a fantastic level of service for all Residents. This is a truly fulfilling role within an Association dedicated to encouraging enhanced quality of living and dignity and respect for elderly people within our communities.
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, be able to keep calm and ensure to contact the correct people. This 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 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.
Contact Detail:
IrishJobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supported Sheltered Cook (Casual)
✨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’ll be serving.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your ability to create engaging and nutritious meal plans. Consider preparing a sample menu that highlights your creativity and understanding of healthy eating, which can impress during any informal discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices. Being able to discuss relevant regulations and how you implement them in your cooking will show that you take this role seriously and are committed to maintaining high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in creating a supportive environment for residents. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged with vulnerable individuals, as this will highlight your interpersonal skills and dedication to their dignity and respect.
We think you need these skills to ace Supported Sheltered Cook (Casual)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully 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 food preparation experience, especially in a care setting. Mention your ability to cater for special dietary needs and your understanding of health and safety standards.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is essential for this role, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to interact effectively with residents, staff, and visitors. This could include past experiences where you successfully communicated in a team or with clients.
Prepare for the Enhanced 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.
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 in this role, prepare to discuss how you effectively communicate with both residents and team members. Consider sharing examples of how you've handled difficult conversations or provided support in a previous role.
✨Highlight Your Health and Safety Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with food safety standards and health regulations. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in the kitchen and how you would handle emergencies, showcasing your ability to maintain a safe environment.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Think of insightful questions to ask about the position and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to the team's success in delivering quality service.