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- Tasks: Prepare and cook meals, including special dietary requirements, while collaborating with children and young people.
- Company: Join the City of York Council, dedicated to community welfare and support.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, health initiatives, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the lives of young people through nutritious meal preparation.
- Qualifications: Basic Food Hygiene Certificate and a passion for catering.
- Other info: Enjoy continuous learning opportunities and community engagement activities.
Join to apply for the Assistant Cook role at City of York Council.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook meals within the home, including special dietary requirements such as ketogenic diets, high-calorie diets, gluten-free, dairy-free, casein-free, nut-free, vegetarian and autism-specific meals.
- Consult with children and young people to develop menus and food choices in collaboration with the cook.
- Support the cook in ordering and checking food stock, taking deliveries, rotating stock and performing daily equipment checks, including fridge and freezer temperatures.
- Contribute to the development of policies, procedures and practices related to food preparation and hygiene.
- Maintain high levels of health, safety and hygiene.
Qualifications
- Basic Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Level 2 or 3 qualification in catering, or willingness to work towards such qualification.
- Competency to communicate in spoken English to CEFR Level B1, to converse with members of the public.
- Ability to provide advice and guidance to members of the public.
A successful candidate will also undertake an enhanced Criminal Record Check via the Disclosure and Barring Service. City of York Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
The hours of work are 18.5 hours per week, between 11am and 6pm, and include alternate weekends.
We can offer generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive health & wellbeing initiatives, a reward package recognising your contribution, flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities, continuous learning & development, and a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.
For further information or an informal discussion please contact Wendy Berkett, Deputy Manager, wendy.berkett@york.gov.uk or 07748 933337.
Closing date: Sunday 16 November 2025 at 12 midnight
Interview date: TBC
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Assistant Cook employer: City of York Council
Contact Detail:
City of York Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements mentioned in the job description. This will not only help you during interviews but also show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at City of York Council on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you. Plus, it’s a great way to learn more about the work culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to food hygiene and menu planning. Role-play with a friend or family member to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨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 engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let us know why you love cooking! Share any experiences you've had with special dietary requirements or working with children. This will help us see your enthusiasm for the role.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to mention your Basic Food Hygiene Certificate and any catering qualifications you have. If you're working towards a qualification, tell us about that too! We want to see your commitment to professional development.
Tailor Your Application: Read through the job description carefully and tailor your application to match. Use keywords from the description to show us that you understand the role and how your skills fit in perfectly.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at City of York Council
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with various dietary requirements like ketogenic, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. Be ready to discuss how you would cater to these needs in your meal preparation.
✨Show Off Your Hygiene Knowledge
Brush up on food hygiene practices and be prepared to talk about your Basic Food Hygiene Certificate. Highlight any experiences where you've maintained high standards of health and safety in the kitchen.
✨Menu Development Skills
Think about how you would consult with children and young people to create appealing menus. Bring examples of how you’ve collaborated with others in the past to develop food choices that meet specific needs.
✨Communication is Key
Since you'll be interacting with the public, practice your spoken English skills. Prepare to demonstrate how you can provide advice and guidance effectively, ensuring you can engage with both children and adults comfortably.
