At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve healthy meals while managing budgets and ensuring safety.
- Company: Choice Care, a leading residential care provider with over 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, sick pay, birthday off, and a Christmas bonus.
- Other info: Join a close-knit community focused on fun and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Organised, enthusiastic, and able to maintain high standards.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Hours: 24
Salary: £12.80 to £12.80 Annum
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 making sure 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
- The ability to maintain the required quality and service standards set
- A can-do attitude
- Satisfactory written and verbal communication skills
What are the 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 - this includes our Advanced Management Development Programme for managers in the making and our 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 into a monthly prize draw. Three winners, selected at random, receive £500 each, tax-free
- Blue Light Card eligibility
- Reclaim prescription costs for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and access free feminine hygiene products whilst on shift
- Stream – a financial wellbeing app that enables you to track your earnings; save with high-street beating interest rates; choose to access your earnings ahead of payday with flexible pay; receive discounts with hundreds of retailers; learn with financial coaching and education, and much more (minimum service periods applicable to some benefits)
Who are we?
Choice Care is one of the UK’s leading residential care providers for people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health conditions. With over 30 years’ experience, we’re at the forefront of national best practice, with among the highest CQC ratings of any comparable organisation.
Our homes are more than just a place to live, they’re like a second family for everyone we support. Each home is a close-knit community, with its own unique personality, and all the ups and downs of typical family life, built on trust and the promise of unconditional care. Our colleagues build close bonds with the people they care for, helping to create enduring, positive relationships that build confidence and self-esteem.
In every Choice Care home there’s a strong emphasis on living life to the full and having fun, with purposeful daily activities based on individual preferences and capabilities. Alongside this there are regular social events, projects, outings and holiday breaks which everyone can get involved in and express themselves through.
Where will you work?
Otterbourne House, which opened in 2015, has been designed specifically to meet the particular needs of people with learning disabilities and autism. The home currently supports up to seven men and women of various ages, with complex needs, who may also have a secondary mental health condition such as personality disorder, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. Otterbourne House is located in the village of Compton, in a pleasant, semi-rural setting about two miles south of Winchester, four miles north of Eastleigh, adjacent to the M3 motorway. Like all Choice Care homes, Otterbourne offers structured activity programmes to support education and personal development, designed to maximise independence and enable residents to achieve their goals. Residents enjoy swimming, bowling, trips to the cinema and zoos, going clubbing, and trips to the seaside at Weymouth and to the Moors Valley. Residents are supported 24-hours a day and have access to our in-house Positive Behaviour Support Team to help their emotional and general wellbeing.
Cook in Winchester employer: Choice Care Group
Choice Care Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering comprehensive training from day one to enhance your skills as a Social Care Worker. Located in the welcoming community of Highworth, our work culture fosters compassion and teamwork, ensuring you feel valued while making a meaningful impact in residents' lives. With flexible shift patterns and a commitment to employee growth, we provide a supportive environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Winchester
✨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 in Winchester
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!
