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- Tasks: Join our team to create delicious, nutritious meals for residents with complex care needs.
- Company: Cornerstone Healthcare, a multi-award-winning leader in complex care.
- Benefits: Enjoy enhanced pay, subsidised lunches, and a healthcare cash plan worth up to £700.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2 years as a Chef; knowledge of food safety regulations is essential.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for training and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
About The Role
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 in Southampton employer: Cornerstone
Contact Detail:
Cornerstone Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Second Chef in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who have experience in care homes. They might know about openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a sample of your cooking or even a recipe book to your interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion and expertise in food preparation.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your experience with dietary needs. Make sure you can discuss how you've catered to different diets in the past, as this is super important in a care home setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining our award-winning team at Cornerstone Healthcare.
We think you need these skills to ace Second Chef in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When writing your application, let us see your love for food and cooking shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention your 2+ years of experience as a Chef, especially in care home settings. We want to know how your background aligns with our focus on individualised care and dietary needs.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
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 ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Kitnocks House.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cornerstone
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene regulations and COSHH. Be ready to discuss how you ensure safety in the kitchen and how you handle special dietary needs, especially IDDSI guidelines. This shows you're not just a chef, but a responsible one!
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past roles, particularly any experience in care homes. Talk about how you've adapted meals for residents with complex needs and how you’ve responded to feedback from staff and families. This will highlight your ability to work in a sensitive environment.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since effective communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you would explain your cooking process or dietary adjustments to both kitchen staff and clinical teams. Good communication can make all the difference in a care setting.
✨Passion for Care
Demonstrate your passion for providing high-quality care through food. Share why you believe nutrition is vital for residents' well-being and how you plan to contribute to their comfort and happiness through your cooking. A genuine connection to the role can set you apart from other candidates.
