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- Tasks: Reheat meals and prepare sandwiches for delivery to vulnerable people.
- Company: Join North Somerset Council's Community Meals Service, dedicated to supporting the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive pay, and wellbeing support like Cycle to Work schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in maths and English, plus food safety hygiene certification required.
- Other info: Must have a valid driving license and own transport; DBS check needed.
Overview
Package: Casual – 25 days annual leave per annum, rising to 30 days per annum after 5 years of service. This is a casual worker role to support North Somerset Council\’s Community Meals Service by cooking/reheating pre-prepared meals and making sandwiches for delivery to vulnerable people, 7 days a week.
Locations: Two kitchens in North Somerset (Weston-supoported area in the South of North Somerset and Clevedon in the North). The role may operate from Castlewood offices in Worle or from the Weston area as arrangements are updated; Castlewood office will be closing in 2025 with a new location to be determined.
About Us
North Somerset Council\’s Community Meals Service is seeking Cooks/ Kitchen Assistants for casual hours to cover cooks’ duties during periods of leave.
The Role
Experience required in a kitchen environment, particularly with cooking and handling food at varying temperatures. Training will be provided by on-site cooks in the use of kitchen equipment. You must be willing to train in Environmental Health regulations for kitchens, including keeping daily temperature recordings and stock control. Sandwiches are freshly made each day for tea breaks while ovens heat. Food is loaded into insulated boxes for Community Meals drivers for delivery, with first deliveries starting at 11:30.
You will be supported by a Team Manager and the Community Meals Business Support Team. Kitchens operate 7 days a week over 52 weeks, except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day when alternative provision is provided. Hours are between 8am and 2pm on weekdays (varying by kitchen), and between 9am and 12pm on weekends.
Responsibilities
- Cooking of pre-prepared food delivered from manufacturers.
- Preparation of ingredients for sandwiches and salads for evening meals.
- Knowledge of temperatures and storage of food in fridges and freezers.
- Move around the kitchen as required by Health and Safety requirements.
- Able to multitask to ensure meals are ready for drivers to deliver by a specified time.
- Maintain a sanitised and orderly kitchen environment.
- Ensure all food and other items are stored at correct temperatures.
- Monitor stock and place orders when there are shortages.
- Undertaking cooking at Castlewood (until closure) or Worle, with a new kitchen when arranged.
- Attend meetings as required.
Qualifications
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in maths and English (numeracy and literacy).
- Practical work experience and training to achieve Food Safety Hygiene Certificate Level 2.
- Practical work experience to understand processes and practices to operate simple catering machinery.
- Understanding and knowledge of the specific work environment.
Desirable Skills
- Additional desirable skills/experience as relevant to catering operations.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Flexible working arrangements
- Local Government Pension
- Opportunities for professional development
- Inclusive staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
- Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days of annual leave each year
- Dedicated in-house Wellbeing Team
- Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes
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Casual Cook employer: North Somerset Council
Contact Detail:
North Somerset Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific kitchen equipment and food safety regulations mentioned in the job description. This will not only help you during the interview but also show that you're proactive and serious about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in a similar kitchen environment, especially if you've worked with pre-prepared meals or have knowledge of food storage temperatures. This can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Make sure to demonstrate your ability to work as part of a team. Since you'll be supported by a Team Manager and other staff, showing that you can collaborate effectively will be key in your discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare some questions about the role and the Community Meals Service. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission of supporting vulnerable people.
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your relevant kitchen experience, especially with cooking and food safety regulations.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your experience in a kitchen environment. Include any relevant qualifications like NVQ Level 2 in maths and English, as well as your Food Safety Hygiene Level 2 certification.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description. Mention your experience with catering machinery and your ability to maintain a clean kitchen environment.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Somerset Council
✨Know Your Kitchen Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with kitchen safety regulations and food hygiene standards. Being able to discuss these during the interview will show your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be prepared to talk about your previous kitchen experience, especially any roles involving cooking or food preparation. Specific examples of how you've handled food storage and temperature monitoring can set you apart.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be working alongside a Team Manager and other staff, emphasise your ability to work well in a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past roles to achieve common goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the training provided for kitchen equipment or how the team supports each other during busy periods. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
