At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious, nutritious meals for our elderly clients and manage the kitchen.
- Company: Join Age Concern Hampshire, a caring community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy full training, paid holidays, pension enrolment, and support from an amazing team.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth and creativity in your role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of elderly clients through meaningful meal preparation.
- Qualifications: Confidence in cooking and food prep; no formal qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
Age Concern Hampshire are currently recruiting for a Cook to join our friendly and dedicated team at our Care & Wellbeing Centre in New Milton.
Qualifications:
- Cooking/Chef: 1 year (Preferred)
- Professional qualification in cooking (Preferred) or relevant experience
About You:
We're not looking for the next Nigella or Jamie (although either are welcome) but we are looking for a motivated and reliable, happy person who is a team player and can work their way round a kitchen and prepare home cooked meals for our clients. This is an exciting role for you to manage your own little slice of the centre. You will manage the kitchen and it is essential that you are organised and confident. We are looking for a highly motivated person with good standards in relation to providing nutritious meals for our elderly clients. The incredible team of support workers will support you whilst you get to know our clients, their likes, dislikes and dietary needs. Supporting the elderly with a well-balanced diet maintaining good nutrition and hydration is key to this role; by doing this we hope to lessen the risk of developing chronic diseases and help stave off colds and infections. The meals you create are more meaningful to our clients than a Michelin star. They are flavours that evoke memories. It is key that we monitor and record what our clients are eating and drinking in order that we encourage them to meet their daily requirements. So whilst your role will be to work autonomously, you will also work closely with the care team to ensure information is recorded.
Your typical day will include:
- Plan, source and prepare a two course lunch
- Serve meals to a high standard/presentation
- Prepare cakes/snacks for late morning/early afternoon
- Prepare special diet meals in accordance with our clients’ needs
- Monitor supplies, re-ordering, and purchase food ensuring safe storage
- Follow the Better Food Safer Business model
- Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness in the kitchen at all times, adhering to the cleaning rota
- Support the preparation and cleaning of the dining area
- Maintain the standard of health and hygiene as instructed by the manager
- Regularly seek feedback from clients and making/changing meal preparation to meet their needs
- Flexibility in relation to occasional additional hours, or weekend work for events may be required in the future
We are not asking for any professional qualifications, but you should be able to demonstrate absolute confidence around the kitchen with food prep, cooking and cleanliness and a willingness to undertake training.
For You:
We welcome you to join an amazing team of dedicated people supporting the elderly in our community. You will also be supported by our management team, equally as amazing! We will help you where you need/want it and equally allow you to flourish in your own role and area, listening and implementing your ideas. There are no charges for uniform, equipment or recruitment checks and we PAY YOU for your mandatory training.
Benefits:
- Full training and ongoing support
- Contracted hours
- Paid holiday
- Pension enrolment
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Blue Light Card eligibility
Cook - New Milton employer: Age Concern Hampshire
Age Concern Hampshire is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment at our Care & Wellbeing Centre in New Milton. As a Cook, you will enjoy full training, ongoing support, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our elderly clients through nutritious meal preparation. With benefits such as paid holidays, pension enrolment, and eligibility for the Blue Light Card, we prioritise your well-being and professional growth while fostering a culture of teamwork and respect.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook - New Milton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, check out Age Concern Hampshire's website and social media. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! If you're nervous about interviews, grab a mate and do some mock interviews. Focus on how you can highlight your cooking skills and experience in a way that aligns with what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! When you meet the team, let your passion for cooking and caring for others shine through. They want someone who’s not just skilled but also a happy, motivated team player.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook - New Milton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let us know why you love cooking! Share any experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for preparing meals, especially for others. We want to see that you’re not just a cook, but someone who genuinely cares about the food you serve.
Highlight Your Team Spirit:Since we’re all about teamwork here at Age Concern Hampshire, make sure to mention any past experiences where you’ve worked well with others in a kitchen or similar environment. We’re looking for someone who can collaborate and communicate effectively with our dedicated team.
Be Organised and Confident:In your application, emphasise your organisational skills and confidence in managing a kitchen. Talk about how you plan meals, manage supplies, and maintain cleanliness. This will show us that you’re ready to take charge of your own slice of the centre!
Tailor Your Application to Us:Make sure to read through the job description carefully and tailor your application to what we’re looking for. Mention specific points from the description that resonate with you, and don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance of joining our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Age Concern Hampshire
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your cooking knowledge. Familiarise yourself with common ingredients and dietary needs, especially those relevant to elderly clients. This will show that you understand the importance of nutrition and can cater to specific requirements.
✨Showcase Your Kitchen Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous cooking experiences. Think of examples where you've managed a kitchen or created meals that catered to specific dietary needs. Sharing these stories will demonstrate your confidence and ability to work autonomously in a kitchen.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since you'll be working closely with support workers and care teams, highlight your ability to collaborate. Share examples of how you've worked as part of a team in the past, especially in a kitchen setting, to show that you're a reliable team player.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the types of meals you’ll be preparing or how feedback from clients is gathered. This shows your genuine interest in the role and your commitment to providing meaningful meals for the clients.
