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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations across care homes, creating delicious meals and fostering a warm environment.
- Company: Care South, a top-rated not-for-profit charity focused on quality care.
- Benefits: Up to £16/hour, flexible hours, free lunch, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while enjoying sociable working hours.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Food Production/Hygiene and a full UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values kindness, teamwork, and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
About The Role
- Location: Peripatetic role across care homes in Dorset (Bournemouth, Dorchester, Ferndown, Gillingham, Poole, Ringwood, Southbourne, Weymouth)
- Pay: Up to £16 per hour + 32p per business mile + enhanced bank holiday pay + options for extra shifts + free light lunch on shift
- Hours: 40 hours over 4 days, to include 2 weekends per month
- Shifts: 7:30 AM to 6 PM
Essential Requirement: Must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a reliable vehicle for business use. It is a requirement of the role that the successful candidate maintains appropriate business use car insurance.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head Chef to join the team. This role will be providing cover across all of our Dorset Homes.
Are you currently working long hours in a pub or restaurant? Working in our care home kitchen will provide you with more sociable hours and your shifts will be mostly during the day and on every other weekend.
Are you also someone who genuinely wants to make a positive difference in people’s lives? You don’t need previous experience working in a care home. What matters most are your skills, kindness, understanding, and a commitment to delivering our ethos of Food, Fun & Friendship.
We provide a comprehensive induction and training programme, so you’ll be fully supported every step of the way.
We’re looking for someone with a Certificate in NVQ Level 2 Food Production/ Hygiene (maybe looking to undertake Level 3). You will need an understanding of health and safety and other current relevant legislation.
If this sounds like you, come and be part of a team that truly makes a difference!
Make a Real Difference Every Day
Everyone working at Care South is dedicated to providing the best quality care to all our residents. We all share and work hard to uphold our HEART values, ensuring that throughout the delivery of care, we consistently demonstrate Honesty, Excellence, Approach, Respect and Teamwork.
Our care homes don’t just provide companionship and social interaction, they provide a happy and fulfilling lifestyle for residents, delivering Food, Fun and Friendship, as well as compassionate person‑centred care.
Our fantastic facilities, exciting social activities and exceptional care teams all help to enhance the health and happiness of our residents. No two residents are the same and we love to learn about their amazing life stories, hobbies and interests. This allows us to tailor our care and activities to suit their likes and favourite pastimes, as well as to really get to know them and build strong relationships.
Food, Fun and Friendship is at the HEART of everything we do!
Why You’ll Love Working with Us
- You’ll receive a comprehensive induction including ongoing training and development.
- Receiving support from a friendly, experienced team and colleagues.
- Delivering person‑centred care that truly makes a difference.
- Encouraging residents to stay independent and active.
- Assisting with personal care and mobility needs.
- Building genuine friendships with residents.
- Creating a positive, team‑focused atmosphere within the home.
Your Rewards and Benefits
At Care South, we really value all our staff, whatever the role. We offer a stimulating and incredibly rewarding career. We celebrate all our staff every year through the Care South Stars Awards.
As a not-for-profit charity, our focus isn’t on our owners or shareholders; it’s very firmly on those in our care and those that care for them. We are constantly looking at ways to improve the reward and recognition of all our amazing people within the Care South Team. Our current benefits package includes:
- Online/retail discounts – Blue Light Card.
- Paid induction and training.
- Employee referral bonus scheme.
- Free DBS check.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Life insurance.
- Staff association.
- Local staff reward programme.
- Onsite learning and development team.
- Career progression.
- Competitive pay rates.
- Flexible working hours.
- Employee assistance and wellbeing programmes.
What You Need to Know
You must be 18 years or older. We are unable to offer Visa Sponsorship.
Ready to Join Us
If you’re a kind, caring chef, and ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of something truly special!
About Us
People | Passion | Purpose Care South are one of the top 20 rated Care Home Groups in the UK based on published reviews from residents and their family and friends at carehome.co.uk. As a not-for-profit charity, our HEART values are key to us providing outstanding care. For more information about us, our values and benefits, please visit our website.
If you have any questions, please contact the recruitment team on 01202712448.
Roaming - Head Chef - Dorset in Poole employer: Care South Residential
Contact Detail:
Care South Residential Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Roaming - Head Chef - Dorset in Poole
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who might know about openings in care homes. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a dish or two to an informal meet-up or event. This not only showcases your culinary talents but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to care homes in Dorset. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming vacancies. It shows initiative and could put you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest roles listed there, and it’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about our values and what we’re looking for!
We think you need these skills to ace Roaming - Head Chef - Dorset in Poole
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and caring shine through. We want to see how you can bring our ethos of Food, Fun & Friendship to life in the kitchen!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the Head Chef role. We love seeing how your background can contribute to our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your culinary achievements!
Be Genuine: In your cover letter, be yourself! Share why you want to work with us and how you can make a positive difference in our residents' lives. Authenticity goes a long way in making a connection.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Care South Residential
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge of food hygiene. Be ready to discuss your experience with different cuisines and dietary requirements, as well as how you can adapt meals for residents with specific needs.
✨Show Your Kindness
This role is all about making a positive difference in people's lives. Prepare examples of how you've shown kindness and understanding in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations. It’s important to convey your passion for creating a warm and friendly environment.
✨Understand the HEART Values
Familiarise yourself with the HEART values of Care South: Honesty, Excellence, Approach, Respect, and Teamwork. Think of ways you can demonstrate these values in your work and be ready to share how they resonate with your personal philosophy.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the team you'll be working with. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can contribute to the care home’s mission of Food, Fun, and Friendship.