At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals while supporting young people in a secure environment.
- Company: Join Leeds City Council, one of the largest employers in the region.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and great career development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives through nutritious cooking.
- Qualifications: Basic Food Hygiene Certificate and catering qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 26016 - 26847 £ per year.
Salary: B1 £26,016 - £26,847 Pro Rata (Including Secure unit allowance and Weekend enhancement)
Hours: 30 hours per week over a 3-week rota covering 1 weekend in every 3
Contract: Permanent
Location: Adel Beck Secure Childrens Home
As a Chef you’ll thrive on working in a fast-paced environment as part of a motivated team supporting young people and staff within the home. Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About you
- A positive attitude
- A flexible approach to work
- Ability to take ownership
- Good communication skills
About the role
As our next Chef you’ll prepare, deliver and serve freshly cooked meals to meet with Childrens Homes Regulations, Children’s Homes National Minimum Standards, Youth Justice Standards, Food Safety, Healthy Eating Standards, Leeds City Council and the homes policies, procedures and guidance. Day to day responsibility for all activities in the Home’s main kitchen supporting the Chef Manager in menu planning and the ordering and stock control of food items, kitchen utensils and equipment.
What we offer you
- a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
- membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
- a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
- a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Apply for this job online. Please upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words. Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Jo Palmer, Chef Manager, Call 0113 378 3701 or email Jo.Palmer@leeds.gov.uk.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s or Adults’ barred list as applicable will be carried out on preferred candidates.
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.
Job Description
Job purpose
All staff are required to support the Home’s main purpose of encouraging and enabling children and young people to develop attitudinally, behaviourally, educationally and emotionally in order that they may deliver positive contributions to their families, society and their local communities whilst reducing offending, resulting in the decrease in victims of youth crime. To create and maintain a customer focused attitude and approach at all times that promotes positive relationships and generates a culture of openness and trust. To deliver efficient, effective and quality services by way of flexible working. To work together with colleagues from all other service areas within the home to provide and maintain a safe and secure living and learning environment that promotes the safety and welfare of children and young people in which they can prosper, develop and achieve. To foster, maintain and support pro-social behaviour, a restorative and solution focussed approach with, children, young people and colleagues.
Responsibilities
- Food production, portion control, presentation and service to accommodate service requirements within timescales and to agreed standards.
- Ordering of goods and contacting suppliers.
- Check deliveries and store all goods as stated in Cook Safe and Food Safety policies including stock rotation.
- To assist the Chef Manager in managing and directing the day-to-day tasks undertaken by the domestic assistant ensuring all required tasks are completed.
- Ensure attention is paid to healthy lifestyle choices and the nutritional needs of children and young people.
- To work together with the Chef Manager and other colleagues in the Catering Team with regard to menu planning to meet service requirements and specification, cultural and dietary needs and recommended nutritional guidelines.
- Work together with the Chef Manager in the delivery of a variety of themed menus and hospitality functions.
- Support the development of children and young people through the delivery of a well-balanced and nutritional diet.
- Together with the Chef Manager regularly review and revise the content of the menu taking into account seasonal variations in food items.
- Work together with Care and Education staff to provide catering opportunities and activities for children and young people.
- Training will be provided in managing challenging behaviour.
- Maintain quality control and food hygiene monitoring systems as stated in Leeds City Council, Cook Safe Food Hygiene Policy.
- Before using any equipment or substances make sure a risk assessment is in place and safety data sheets for products are available.
- The maintenance of high standards of Health & Safety and Hygiene including a daily recorded check of all operational catering equipment, the safe manual handling of stores and cooking equipment, ensuring the appropriate use and safe storage of all cleaning materials and the reporting of faults and hazards.
- Provide and maintain records to meet with legislative and statutory requirement.
- Attend and participate in meetings.
- Develop self to enhance performance and practice through reflection and learning, share knowledge, best practice, promote ideas for innovation and improvement and use information to take effective decisions.
- To participate in annual appraisal, training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills, develop practice through reflection and learning.
- Promote the on-site catering service and encourage children, young people, staff and visitors to use the catering facilities.
- Use of current software programmes and packages (training will be provided).
- To undertake any other duties as required that are commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
- To comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council policies, procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under the Health and Safety Policy and Procedures.
- To actively promote and support Leeds City Council's and Departmental Policies on Equal Opportunities and to work in an anti-oppressive manner.
Qualifications
Essential requirements
- Current Basic Food Hygiene Certificate is essential
- QCF, NVQ, NQF qualification, or equivalent, in Catering, is essential.
Essential behavioural and other characteristics
- Understand and embrace Leeds City Council values and behaviours and codes of conduct
- Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Leeds Ambitions of health and wellbeing, inclusive growth, thriving strong communities, and a resilient sustainable city
- Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures
- Carry out duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing
- Participate in appraisal, training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge and skills
- Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding equality and diversity of Leeds City Council
- Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
- Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
Desirable requirements
- Menu planning & Ordering Goods.
- Knowledge of National Standards for Youth Justice Services
- Knowledge of Children’s Homes National Minimum Standards
- Knowledge of the Children act 1989, Volume 5, Children’s Homes
- Knowledge of the Secure Estate for children and young people
- Of working in a residential care home or children’s service setting
Chef in Leeds employer: Catholic Care
Catholic Care is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both staff and the individuals they serve. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to training opportunities and leadership development, particularly in the vibrant regions of West & North Yorkshire. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Leeds
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Catholic Care. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Catholic Care
Don't be shy about reaching out to Catholic Care directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Catholic Care and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Catholic Care
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
