At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve meals that bring joy to residents with dementia.
- Company: Join Willinbrook Healthcare, a rapidly growing care provider focused on exceptional dementia care.
- Benefits: Earn Β£13/hour, enjoy 5.6 weeks leave, and receive paid training and uniform.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment while showcasing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Culinary qualifications and basic food hygiene certification are essential; care experience is a plus.
- Other info: Be part of a new team in a specialist care setting where your cooking truly matters.
The predicted salary is between 27360 - 36480 Β£ per year.
Overview
Catering and Hospitality β Willowbrook Care Home
Contract: Full Time
Salary: Β£12.21 Per Hour
Shift Type: Days
Contracted hours: 40.25
Willowbrook Care Home provides specialist support for up to 75 residents living with dementia and mental health conditions. Our goal is to create a homely environment where every resident feels safe, valued, and cared for β and food plays a big part in that.
We are looking for a skilled and passionate Chef to join our team. This is a rewarding role where you will prepare high-quality, well-balanced meals that bring comfort and joy to those we care for every day.
What We Offer
- Β£12.50 per hour
- Contracted to 40.25 hours per week
- Pension scheme, Paid DBS, Uniform provided
- 5.6 weeks annual leave (based on a full-time contract)
What You Will Do
As Chef, you will prepare, cook, and serve nutritious hot and cold meals that cater to the dietary needs and preferences of our residents. You will work with the Head Chef to plan seasonal menus, ensuring variety and balance while staying within budget. You will manage stock rotation, check deliveries, and maintain accurate records of food supplies, fridge and freezer temperatures. Keeping the kitchen and dining areas spotless will be a key part of your role, as will following all food safety and Health & Safety regulations. When required, you will take the lead in the kitchen to ensure meals are delivered on time and to a high standard.
What Weβre Looking For
We are seeking someone with City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or equivalent qualification (achieved or working towards) and a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate. Experience in a care home setting is desirable but not essential β what matters most is a passion for cooking, a commitment to high standards, and the ability to work well as part of a team. You should have excellent communication skills and be comfortable taking initiative to keep kitchen operations running smoothly.
About Us
Willowbrook Care Home is part of Care Concern Group, a family-owned, market-leading care provider with over 100 homes across the United Kingdom. We are committed to delivering outstanding care in specialist settings and creating supportive workplaces where our teams can grow and flourish.
Our five core values β Trust, Respect, Passion, Kindness, Inclusivity β define everything we do. If you share these values and want to bring your skills to a role where you are truly appreciated, we would love to hear from you.
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Chef employer: Care Concern Group
Contact Detail:
Care Concern Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Chef
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the IDDSI standards, as this role requires you to prepare meals that cater to residents with swallowing difficulties. Understanding these guidelines will not only enhance your application but also demonstrate your commitment to providing safe and appropriate meals.
β¨Tip Number 2
Showcase your culinary creativity by thinking about seasonal menu ideas that offer variety and nutritional value. Being able to discuss your menu planning ideas during an interview can set you apart from other candidates.
β¨Tip Number 3
Highlight any experience you have in a care environment, even if it's informal. If you've volunteered or helped out in similar settings, be ready to share those experiences, as they can illustrate your understanding of the unique needs of residents.
β¨Tip Number 4
Emphasise your teamwork skills, as this role involves working closely with the Head Chef and kitchen staff. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in past roles, which will show that you're a great fit for their team-oriented culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant culinary qualifications, such as City & Guilds 706 '1 & 2 or equivalent. Emphasise any experience in meal preparation, menu planning, and working in a kitchen environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and your commitment to providing high-quality meals for residents. Mention how your values align with those of the care home, such as trust, respect, and kindness.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have experience in a care environment, be sure to include it. Discuss any roles where you prepared meals for individuals with specific dietary needs, especially if you are familiar with IDDSI standards.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Care Concern Group
β¨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your love for cooking and how it can positively impact the lives of residents. Share any personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to providing high-quality meals.
β¨Understand IDDSI Standards
Familiarise yourself with the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) guidelines. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure meals meet these standards, especially for residents with swallowing difficulties.
β¨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with the Head Chef and kitchen team. Provide examples of past experiences where you successfully contributed to a team environment, particularly in a busy kitchen setting.
β¨Highlight Organisational Abilities
Discuss your organisational skills and how they help maintain a clean and efficient kitchen. Be ready to talk about how you manage multiple tasks, such as meal preparation and stock control, while ensuring high standards of hygiene.