At a Glance
- Tasks: Create exciting menus and prepare delicious meals for residents with special dietary needs.
- Company: Join a vibrant care home dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, sick pay, and a Christmas bonus, plus more perks!
- Other info: Experience a lively atmosphere with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Be organised, enthusiastic, and ready to learn in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 € per year.
Responsibilities
- 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
Qualifications
- Organised and willing to learn
- Committed and enthusiastic approach
- The ability to maintain the required quality and service standards set
- Satisfactory written and verbal communication skills
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 pay day with flexible pay; receive discounts with hundreds of retailers; learn with financial coaching and education, and much more
Location
Appletrees is a large, detached country house supporting up to eight men and women with moderate to severe learning disabilities and associated complex needs. The property is set in beautiful open countryside in the village of Upper Bucklebury, six miles from Newbury town centre. Appletrees has a lively and active environment with a real can-do spirit. Within the grounds, Treetops is a separate, purpose-built day services centre, where the home’s Day Activities Coordinator helps deliver individual and group activity programmes, including educational support, arts and crafts, and sensory activities. In addition, the home has two vehicles for local travel. There are regular meals out, monthly club nights and there's music every week.
Cook in Newbury employer: Choice Care
Choice Care is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture in the picturesque setting of Upper Bucklebury. With generous benefits such as 28 days of holiday, comprehensive health support, and unique rewards for long service, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive within a vibrant community dedicated to making a difference in the lives of residents. The opportunity to engage in meaningful work while enjoying a lively environment makes Choice Care a truly rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Newbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen vibe! Before your interview, pop by the place if you can. Chat with the staff, soak up the atmosphere, and get a feel for the team. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their crew.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary creativity! When you’re chatting with the hiring team, don’t just talk about your experience—share some exciting menu ideas or special dietary adaptations you've worked on. This will demonstrate your passion and commitment to creating delicious meals for residents.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your organisational skills! They want someone who can manage stock rotation and keep the kitchen clean and safe. Prepare examples of how you've handled these tasks in the past, and be sure to highlight your attention to detail.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly. So, go ahead and submit your application today!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Menu Skills:When you’re writing your application, make sure to highlight any experience you have with creating exciting and balanced menus. We want to see your creativity shine through, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear About Dietary Needs:It’s super important to mention your understanding of special dietary needs and allergens. We need someone who can keep our residents safe and happy, so share any relevant experiences you have in this area.
Keep It Professional:Your written application should reflect the professional standards we uphold at StudySmarter. Pay attention to your presentation, grammar, and spelling – it all counts! We’re looking for someone who takes pride in their work.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey with us. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Choice Care
✨Know Your Menus
Before the interview, brush up on menu creation and think about how you can make meals exciting and balanced for residents. Be ready to discuss your ideas and any previous experience you have in creating menus that cater to special dietary needs.
✨Showcase Your Hygiene Standards
Since maintaining a clean and hygienic kitchen is crucial, be prepared to talk about your approach to kitchen cleanliness and food safety. Share specific examples of how you've ensured hygiene in past roles, as this will demonstrate your commitment to health and safety practices.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a few scenarios where effective communication made a difference in your previous jobs, especially when dealing with dietary requirements or allergens.
✨Demonstrate Your Enthusiasm
Employers love a committed and enthusiastic candidate! During the interview, let your passion for cooking and caring for residents shine through. Share why you’re excited about the opportunity at Appletrees and how you can contribute to their lively environment.
