At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and prepare nutritious meals for patients with mental health challenges.
- Company: Join a supportive team in a specialist mental health service.
- Benefits: Stable hours, ongoing training, and a meaningful role in patient wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Catering and experience in a professional kitchen.
- Other info: Enjoy a welcoming environment and opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 28000 Β£ per year.
Currently, we have an excellent opportunity for a Chef to join a specialist inpatient and outpatient mental health service. The service supports adults with a range of mental health challenges and addictions, providing high-quality, evidence-based care in a safe and therapeutic environment. This role plays a vital part in supporting patient wellbeing by delivering nutritious, varied meals that meet individual dietary, cultural, and clinical requirements. Working as part of a dedicated kitchen team, you will help ensure a welcoming and well-organised environment for both patients and colleagues.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, prepare, cook, and serve meals meeting dietary and nutritional requirements
- Ensure compliance with food safety policies and statutory regulations
- Take full shift responsibility in the absence of the Head Chef
- Manage stock control, ordering, and delivery reconciliation efficiently
- Monitor food production to minimise waste and manage costs
- Maintain high standards of kitchen cleanliness and hygiene
- Supervise catering staff to ensure operational and food safety standards
Qualifications
- NVQ Level 2 in Catering or equivalent qualification
- Basic food hygiene certification
- Experience in a professional kitchen environment
- Experience producing meals for large groups on time and within budget
- Knowledge of specialised diets, including allergens and dysphagia is an advantage
Benefits
- Supportive and inclusive team environment
- Opportunity to work within specialist mental health services
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Structured induction and safeguarding training
- Stable, full-time hours
- Meaningful role supporting patient wellbeing
Interested? Apply above today to enjoy these excellent career prospects and reap the rewards of making a real difference to others, every day.
Chef - Hospital in Altrincham employer: Athona
Contact Detail:
Athona Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Chef - Hospital in Altrincham
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs or kitchen staff in the mental health sector. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a portfolio of your best dishes or even offer to do a trial shift. This gives you a chance to shine and show how you can contribute to patient wellbeing.
β¨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your experience with dietary needs. Make sure you can discuss how you've handled special diets before, as this is key in a role that supports diverse patient requirements.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef - Hospital in Altrincham
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let us know why you love cooking and how it connects to supporting patient wellbeing. Share any experiences that highlight your commitment to providing nutritious meals.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your experience in a professional kitchen, especially if you've worked with specialised diets or large groups. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Chef in our mental health service.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and skills at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Athona
β¨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the dietary requirements and preferences relevant to mental health services. Be ready to discuss how you can cater to various needs, including allergens and specialised diets. This shows your commitment to patient wellbeing.
β¨Showcase Your Kitchen Experience
Prepare examples from your previous roles that highlight your ability to manage a busy kitchen environment. Talk about your experience in meal planning, food safety compliance, and how you've handled stock control. Real-life stories will make you stand out!
β¨Emphasise Teamwork
Since you'll be working as part of a dedicated kitchen team, demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Share instances where youβve successfully supervised staff or worked alongside colleagues to create a welcoming environment for patients.
β¨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the types of meals typically served or how the kitchen team collaborates with healthcare staff. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if itβs the right fit for you.