At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to create delicious, nutritious meals for residents in a caring environment.
- Company: Cornerstone Healthcare, an award-winning leader in complex care.
- Benefits: Enjoy a benefits package worth up to £5,000, including free lunch and healthcare cash plan.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2 years’ chef experience and knowledge of food safety regulations.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team with opportunities for training and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Cornerstone Healthcare is looking for an experienced and passionate Second Chef to join our award-winning team at Kitnocks House. Kitnocks House is a 63-bed service providing high quality care across 4 specialised units supporting residents with varying complex care as well as providing a comfortable and safe living environment. Our approach focuses on individualised care, considering the whole person and their unique challenges, rather than just the diagnosis. We are currently rated Overall Good with CQC.
What do you need?
- Minimum 2 years’ experience working as a Chef
- Understanding of COSHH, Food Hygiene and Regulations surrounding food safety
- IDDSI/Specialist diet provision experience (desirable)
- Experience working in a care home (desirable)
- Effective communication skills (both written and verbal)
What hours will you work?
4 days per week, 06:45 - 17:15, total average of 42 hours worked per week.
What will you be doing?
- Working closely alongside the Head Chef and kitchen staff to plan and prepare nutritious meals for residents
- Ensure food is prepared in line with IDDSI guidelines and meets the requirements of the residents as identified by the clinical team
- In the absence of the Head Chef visit all new residents and/or liaise with the Nurse to ensure all new admissions dietary needs are known
- Listen to feedback from staff, residents and relatives about the food choices and quality and implement changes based on this
Benefits package worth up to £5,000:
- Enhanced pay rates for overtime and bank holidays
- Subsidised lunch available daily
- Free DBS and parking
- Free uniform laundered for you on site ready for your next shift
- Monthly overtime raffle – receive a ticket for each overtime shift completed and the winner will receive an additional £200 in their pay packet
- Paid for e-learning and training
- Reward and recognition through vouchers and cash incentives for Christmas and long service
- Refer a friend scheme – up to £1,000 (depending on role)
- Paid for company events
- Cycle to work scheme
- Online, activity days and in-store employee discounts
- Healthcare cash plan worth up to £700* which includes dental and optical benefits alongside other
- Access to holiday entitlement and company pension scheme
About The Company
Cornerstone Healthcare Group are a multi award-winning, sector leader with an innovative approach to complex care. Cornerstone specialise in supporting adults of all ages with complex neurological, physical, and mental health needs. Residents are typically living with neurological degenerative conditions, such as dementia with an underlying mental health condition, and as such are vulnerable and at times prone to challenging behaviours associated with complex conditions. Many have been unable to stay in other settings because their needs have been deemed too high or too challenging. Operating well-established homes in Waterlooville and Curdridge in Hampshire and Mytchett in Surrey, as well as a new state-of-the-art ‘eco’ home in Bristol, the Group has built a reputation for delivering consistently high standards of care, focusing on the individual journey of each resident. At Cornerstone, the expert clinical care skills and approach of the team mean that people with the most complex needs can find a place to call home.
Second Chef employer: Cornerstone
Contact Detail:
Cornerstone Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Second Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Cornerstone Healthcare and their approach to care. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Second Chef role. Personal connections can give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to food safety, dietary needs, and teamwork in a kitchen setting. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Cornerstone team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Second Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience as a Chef. We want to see those 2+ years shine through! Mention any specific roles or responsibilities that relate to the care home environment, especially if you've worked with special diets.
Get Technical with Food Safety: Don’t forget to mention your understanding of COSHH and food hygiene regulations. We’re all about keeping our residents safe and healthy, so showing us you know your stuff in this area will definitely catch our eye!
Communicate Clearly: Effective communication is key in our kitchen. Make sure your written application reflects your ability to communicate well, both in writing and verbally. Use clear language and structure your application nicely – it shows us you can do the same in the kitchen!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important details. Plus, it makes it easier for us to get back to you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cornerstone
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge of food safety regulations, especially COSHH and IDDSI guidelines. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just experienced but also serious about maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
✨Show Your Passion for Care
Since this role is in a care home, it’s crucial to convey your passion for providing quality meals that cater to residents' unique dietary needs. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond to ensure residents enjoy their meals, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is key in this role, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be prepared to discuss how you would listen to feedback from staff and residents, and how you would implement changes based on that feedback. This shows you value collaboration and are open to improvement.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, the Head Chef's management style, or how they handle dietary challenges. This not only demonstrates your interest in the role but also gives you a better understanding of the work environment and expectations.