At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve healthy meals while managing budgets and ensuring kitchen safety.
- Company: Choice Care, a leading residential care provider with a family-like atmosphere.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, sick pay, employee assistance, and exciting bonuses.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community with opportunities for personal growth and fun activities.
- 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 26707 - 26707 £ per year.
Hours: 48
Salary: £12.90
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 – receive 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 – each winner receives £400 and we have had over 30 winners in total
- Complex in‑house training – includes the Advanced Management Development Programme for managers in the making and the 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 each receive £500 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, 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?
Orchard End is a large, detached home set in 2.5 acres of land 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. It specialises in caring for those with epilepsy and autism, through the valued support of Community Learning Difficulty Teams, the local GP and district nurse team. There are two large recreational lounges, one designated a quiet zone, an independence training and activities area and a sensory room. Residents are involved in caring for the extensive grounds, producing hanging baskets, vegetables and herbs. This is a lively home, and residents have busy activity schedules including arts and crafts, cooking and baking and music events. Everyone who is able is encouraged to develop their independent living skills. The home also has excellent links with local colleges. Regular social events for family, friends and the community are held.
Cook/Housekeeper in Tewkesbury employer: Choice Care
Choice Care is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and vibrant work culture where staff are valued and encouraged to grow. With comprehensive benefits including generous holiday entitlement, a robust Employee Assistance Programme, and unique perks like a birthday day off and financial wellbeing support, employees thrive in a community-focused environment that prioritises both personal and professional development. Working at Orchard End not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of residents but also fosters strong relationships within a close-knit team dedicated to providing unconditional care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook/Housekeeper in Tewkesbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Choice Care. Understanding their values and how they support residents will help you connect during your chat. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills as a cook and housekeeper can make a difference in the lives of the residents. Be ready to share examples!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress to impress! Even if the role is hands-on, showing up looking tidy and professional can set a positive tone. It reflects your commitment to maintaining high standards, just like you would in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook/Housekeeper in Tewkesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you write your application, let us know why you love cooking! Share any experiences you've had in the kitchen, especially if you've catered for special dietary needs. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:Since you'll be managing budgets and shopping lists, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have in keeping things organised. Whether it's planning meals or managing stock, we want to know how you keep everything running smoothly.
Communicate Clearly:Good communication is key in our homes. Use your application to demonstrate your written skills. Keep it clear and concise, and don’t forget to mention how you ensure everyone’s safety in the kitchen!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Choice Care
✨Know Your Menus
Before the interview, take some time to research and think about healthy, balanced meal options that would suit a variety of dietary needs. Being able to discuss specific menu ideas will show your passion for cooking and your understanding of the residents' requirements.
✨Budget Savvy
Familiarise yourself with budgeting basics, especially in relation to food shopping. Be prepared to discuss how you would manage a weekly budget while ensuring quality meals. This will demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to handle responsibilities.
✨Safety First
Brush up on health and safety regulations in the kitchen. Be ready to talk about how you ensure a clean and safe cooking environment, as well as how you would handle allergens and special dietary needs. This shows your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Bring your can-do attitude to the interview! Share examples of how you've worked well in a team or taken initiative in previous roles. This will highlight your enthusiasm for the position and your ability to contribute positively to the home’s community.
