At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve healthy meals while managing budgets and ensuring safety in the kitchen.
- Company: Choice Care, dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, sick pay, employee assistance, and exciting bonuses.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through delicious, balanced meals.
- Qualifications: Organised, enthusiastic, and able to maintain high quality and service standards.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
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.
- 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
- 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
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
Choice Care is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment at Otterbourne House, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of residents with learning disabilities and autism. With generous benefits such as 28 days of holiday, comprehensive health support, and opportunities for professional development, we prioritise employee wellbeing and growth. Join us in a semi-rural setting that fosters community and personal development, ensuring that both staff and residents thrive together.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Winchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen! Before your interview, spend some time familiarising yourself with the types of meals you might be preparing. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you chat confidently about menu ideas during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working with residents and staff, being able to express yourself clearly is key. Try role-playing common kitchen scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Bring along a sample weekly menu or shopping list that you've created. This will demonstrate your ability to manage budgets and cater to dietary needs effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
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.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let us see your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences you've had in the kitchen, especially those that highlight your ability to create healthy and exciting meals.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:Since you'll be managing budgets and shopping lists, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have with organisation. We want to know how you keep things running smoothly in a busy kitchen!
Emphasise Safety and Hygiene Practices:Safety is key in our kitchens, so don’t forget to talk about your understanding of health and safety standards. Mention any training or practices you follow to ensure a clean and safe cooking environment.
Tailor Your Application to Us:Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically to our values and the role. Check out our website for more info on what we do and how you can contribute, then reflect that in your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Choice Care
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of healthy meal preparation and special dietary needs. Be ready to discuss how you would create balanced menus that cater to various allergens and preferences. This shows your commitment to the role and understanding of the residents' needs.
✨Budgeting Basics
Familiarise yourself with basic budgeting skills, as managing weekly budgets and shopping lists is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed costs in previous positions or how you would approach budgeting for a week’s worth of meals.
✨Safety First
Emphasise your understanding of health and safety practices in the kitchen. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure a clean and hygienic environment, and share any relevant experiences where you maintained safety standards while cooking or working with others.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Bring your passion for cooking and caring for others into the conversation. Share stories that highlight your organised approach and willingness to learn. A positive attitude can make a big difference, so let your enthusiasm shine through!
