Job Description
Main Purpose of the Role
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As a Care Home Cook, you will be responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, well-balanced meals that meet the dietary, nutritional and cultural needs of our residents. You will ensure the kitchen operates safely, efficiently and in compliance with all food hygiene legislation, Company policies and Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards. You will work closely with the Registered Manager, care staff and residents to promote choice, dignity and a positive dining experience.
Key Responsibilities
1. Meal Preparation & Catering
- Prepare and cook nutritious, appetising meals in accordance with planned menus.
Cater for special dietary requirements, allergies, food intolerances, texture modified diets and cultural or religious preferences.Ensure meals are served on time and presented to a high standard.Prepare snacks and refreshments throughout the day as required.Bake fresh items and prepare homemade meals where possible.Ensure appropriate portion sizes are provided for each resident.
2. Nutrition & Resident Wellbeing
- Promote residents' nutritional wellbeing by providing balanced meals.
Work alongside care staff to encourage residents to eat and drink adequately.Respond to residents' food preferences and choices wherever reasonably possible.Monitor food intake concerns and report any concerns regarding poor nutrition, dehydration or weight loss to senior staff.Support themed meals and special occasions to enhance residents' dining experience
3. Kitchen Hygiene & Food Safety
- Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen and food preparation areas.
Ensure compliance with Food Safety Act requirements, Food Hygiene Regulations and HACCP principles.Complete daily, weekly and monthly kitchen cleaning schedules.Ensure all kitchen equipment is cleaned, maintained and stored safely.Dispose of food waste safely and maintain appropriate waste segregation.Ensure the kitchen is always inspection ready.
4. Stock Control & Ordering
- Monitor food stock levels and minimise waste.
Rotate stock using FIFO (First In, First Out) principles.Check deliveries and ensure food is stored correctly.Report shortages to the Registered Manager.Assist with food ordering to ensure adequate stock levels are maintained.Maintain accurate temperature records for refrigerators, freezers and food storage.
5. Health & Safety
- Follow all Health and Safety legislation and Company policies.
Operate kitchen equipment safely and report faults immediately.Maintain safe manual handling practices.Wear appropriate PPE where required.Report accidents, incidents, hazards and near misses promptly.Participate in fire drills and emergency procedures.
6. Infection Prevention & Control
- Maintain high standards of infection prevention and control.
Ensure correct hand hygiene procedures are followed.Prevent cross contamination during food preparation.Follow cleaning schedules and infection control procedures.Maintain safe food storage temperatures at all times.
7. Documentation & Compliance
- Complete all required kitchen records accurately, including:
Fridge and freezer temperature checksFood temperature monitoringCleaning schedulesDelivery recordsFood safety documentationMaintain compliance with Environmental Health requirements and CQC standards.Assist during inspections by Environmental Health Officers, CQC or other regulatory bodies.
8. Communication & Teamwork
- Work collaboratively with care staff to meet residents' nutritional needs.
Communicate effectively with the Registered Manager regarding kitchen requirements.Treat residents, visitors and colleagues with dignity, respect and professionalism.Welcome visitors appropriately and maintain a positive image of the Home.
9. Confidentiality
- Maintain confidentiality regarding residents, staff and Company information in accordance with Company policies and UK GDPR.
Ensure residents' personal information is handled appropriately.
10. Other Duties
- Attend mandatory training and maintain all required competencies.
Support the Home during special events and celebrations.Assist with menu planning and seasonal menu development. xrnqpay Promote continuous improvement within the kitchen.Undertake any other duties reasonably requested by the Registered Manager
Key Skills
- Excellent cooking and food preparation skills
Knowledge of nutrition for older peopleFood Hygiene Level 2 (minimum) or willingness to obtainUnderstanding of special diets and texture modified mealsExcellent organisation and time managementAbility to work independentlyGood communication skillsAttention to detailAbility to work under pressureTeam collaborationUnderstanding of food safety and HACCP principles
Cook in Bradford employer: 365 Care Homes Ltd
As a Care Home Cook, you will join a compassionate team dedicated to enhancing the lives of our residents through nutritious and culturally appropriate meals. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee growth, offering training opportunities in food hygiene and nutrition, while ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Located in a nurturing environment, we celebrate teamwork and respect, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful employment in the care sector.
