At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve healthy meals while managing budgets and ensuring kitchen safety.
- Company: Choice Care, a supportive environment for residents with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, holiday entitlement, sick pay, and comprehensive health support.
- Other info: Enjoy career growth opportunities and a vibrant team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Organised, enthusiastic, and able to maintain high service standards.
The predicted salary is between 12.9 - 12.9 £ per hour.
Overview Of The Role
The role of the Cook is to prepare and serve healthy balanced meals to residents in our homes. You will oversee weekly budgets and shopping lists. On occasion you will work alongside other staff or residents in the kitchen, ensuring everyone’s safety is paramount.
Key Duties
- Creating appropriate, exciting and well-balanced menus for residents
- Preparing and serving meals for the home
- Ensuring all special dietary needs are followed
- Familiarising yourself with residents’ allergens
- Preparing food to a high standard
- Maintaining relevant records and controlling stock rotation
- Ensuring the kitchen is always clean and hygienic
- Completing weekly food shops whilst managing the budget and adhering to all safety standards
- Setting a professional example with all working methods, procedures, personal presentation, timekeeping and hygiene
- Maintaining health and safety at work practices at all times
Personal Attributes
- Organised and willing to learn
- Committed and enthusiastic approach
- Ability to maintain the required quality and service standards
- A can-do attitude
- Satisfactory written and verbal communication skills
Salary & Hours
Hours: 37.5 Salary: £12.90 per hour
Benefits
- Holiday entitlement - starting from 28 days inclusive of Bank Holidays
- Sick pay entitlement
- Employee Assistance Programme - comprehensive health and wellbeing support for staff
- Refer a friend scheme – enjoy a payment of £500 when you recruit a friend to Choice Care
- Choiceversary – staff receive vouchers of £75 after 5 years, £100 after 10 years and £150 after 15 years to celebrate their commitment to Choice Care
- Christmas bonus – vouchers for all staff members
- Life insurance
- Annual staff awards – this year each winner received £400 and we had over 30 winners in total
- Complex in-house training – Advanced Management Development Programme for managers in the making and Foundation Management Development Programme for rising stars
- A paid day off on your birthday
- Free monthly prize draw – all frontline care colleagues are automatically entered; three winners receive £500 each, tax-free
- Blue Light Card eligibility
- Reclaim prescription costs for HRT and access free feminine hygiene products while on shift
- Stream – a financial wellbeing app with earning tracking, savings, flexible pay access, retailer discounts and financial coaching
- Minimum service periods applicable to some benefits
Location
Orchard End is a large detached home set in 2.5 acres on the banks of the River Severn, three miles from Gloucester City centre. The home supports up to 12 men and women of varied ages with moderate to severe learning disabilities and associated complex needs, specialising in caring for those with epilepsy and autism.
Cook/Housekeeper employer: Choice Care Group
At Choice Care, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where our Cook/Housekeeper can thrive. With a focus on employee wellbeing, we provide generous benefits such as 28 days of holiday, comprehensive health support, and opportunities for professional development through in-house training programmes. Located in the serene setting of Orchard End, you will not only contribute to the lives of our residents but also enjoy a fulfilling career with a strong sense of community and purpose.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook/Housekeeper
✨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 Choice Care Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Choice Care Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Choice Care Group 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 Cook/Housekeeper
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 Choice Care Group 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 Choice Care Group
✨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!
