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- Tasks: Prepare and cook meals, plan menus, and manage kitchen staff in a care home.
- Company: Avante Care & Support is a charity dedicated to providing exceptional care for older people.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free uniform, flexible hours, and access to well-being services.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team making a real difference in residents' lives while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Previous kitchen experience and computer literacy are essential for this role.
- Other info: This position requires flexibility with shifts, including weekends.
Avante Care & Support is a Registered Charity supporting older people through our registered nursing and dementia care homes and home care services. We are proud to be a well-established not for profit organisation, with an experienced and skilled workforce. We are committed to making a positive difference to both individuals and their loved ones through individualised support and guidance.
We are looking for a Cook working an average 32.5 hours per week to join our residential care home, Pilgrims View, located in Snodland, Kent. This vacancy includes working alternate weekends and early/late shifts so you will need to be flexible to meet the needs of the home. Previous experience working in a kitchen environment is a requirement and you must be computer literate.
Main Responsibilities and Duties
- Prepare and cook meals and snacks from fresh/frozen/pre-packed ingredients.
- Plan menus in consultation with the Home Manager, Residents and Care Staff.
- Prepare orders for food, drink and other commodities, which meet the catering requirements of the home.
- Check deliveries of food, drink and other commodities against orders placed and ensure safe storage.
- Control stock of dry goods and freezer cabinets.
- Monitor and control catering budget and costings in conjunction with the Home Manager.
- Implement catering regulations in respect of hygiene and Health and Safety procedures.
- Provide supervision, direction and training of all kitchen staff.
- Ensure that all kitchen equipment is clean and well maintained and submit requests to the Home Manager for replacement or repair as required.
- Monitor, together with care service staff, residents’ opinion of the catering service.
- Attend training sessions/courses necessary in the performance of these duties.
- Planning menus by involving residents, care service staff and dietician (where necessary).
- Ensuring that meals have a high nutritional value.
- Ensuring that food is prepared in clean and safe conditions, free from dirt, germs, insects, vermin, odour, etc.
- Ensuring that catering staff work within the regulations stipulated in “Hygiene (General) Regulations”, “The Food Act” and “The Food Safety Act”.
- Promote Avante Care and Support’s Equal Opportunities Policy statement, ensuring an awareness of differing ethnic, social and cultural backgrounds.
- Comply with the Health and Safety and fire regulations.
If the above sounds like you, join now and benefit from:
- Highly competitive rates of pay
- DBS (at no cost to yourself)
- Pension Contributions
- Free Uniform
- Refer a Friend bonus scheme
- 24/7 access to virtual GP’s, Physiotherapy and counselling with our well-being service
- Employee of the Month & Sparkle Awards
- Flexible working patterns
- A friendly, supportive, team working environment
Our positions are subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosures which will be completed upon successful application. All applications will be dealt with on an individual basis in accordance with our policy and organisational requirements. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Please note: If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an interview. We regret to inform you that due to the high volumes of applicants, we do not write to candidates who are unsuccessful at the shortlisting stage. In the meantime, we would like to thank you for the interest you have shown in Avante Care & Support.
Cook – Pilgrims View, Snodland employer: Avante Care & Support
Contact Detail:
Avante Care & Support Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook – Pilgrims View, Snodland
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs and preferences of older adults. Understanding how to cater to various nutritional requirements will show your commitment to providing excellent care.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in a similar environment, especially in residential care or catering for special dietary needs. This will demonstrate your ability to adapt to the unique challenges of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of food safety regulations and hygiene practices during the interview. Showing that you prioritise safety and cleanliness will be crucial in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your flexibility regarding working hours, as the role requires alternate weekends and shifts. Being open about your availability can make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook – Pilgrims View, Snodland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Cook position at Pilgrims View. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in kitchen environments and your ability to work flexibly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous cooking experience, especially in care homes or similar settings. Mention specific skills such as menu planning, food safety regulations, and budget management that align with the job duties.
Showcase Your Skills: Include examples of how you have successfully managed kitchen operations, trained staff, or improved meal quality in past roles. This will demonstrate your capability to meet the needs of the residents and the home.
Personalise Your Application: Address your application to the hiring manager if possible, and express your passion for working in a care environment. Mention why you want to join Avante Care & Support and how you can contribute to their mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Avante Care & Support
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous kitchen experience in detail. Highlight specific dishes you've prepared and any special dietary requirements you've catered to, as this will demonstrate your ability to meet the needs of residents.
✨Understand the Importance of Nutrition
Familiarise yourself with nutritional guidelines and how they apply to meal planning for older adults. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure meals are not only tasty but also nutritious, which is crucial in a care home setting.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Teamwork
Since the role requires working alternate weekends and various shifts, express your willingness to be flexible. Also, highlight your ability to work well within a team, as collaboration with care staff is essential for providing quality service.
✨Prepare for Hygiene and Safety Questions
Expect questions about food safety regulations and hygiene practices. Be ready to explain how you maintain cleanliness in the kitchen and ensure compliance with health and safety standards, as this is critical in a care environment.
