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- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals that make people feel at home and cared for.
- Company: Join CrossReach, a leading social care provider with over 150 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy exclusive discounts, a generous pension plan, and health cash back for treatments.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through the power of food and care.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and knowledge of dietary needs are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values your contributions and offers growth opportunities.
Job Description
As a Cook at Balmedie, you will play an important role in supporting the wellbeing of people using the service by preparing nutritious, well-balanced meals in line with dietary requirements and preferences. You will work closely with the wider team to ensure meals are safe, enjoyable and served in a warm, welcoming environment.
Key responsibilities
* Prepare and cook meals in line with menus, dietary needs and food safety standards
* Support menu planning, taking account of individual preferences and nutritional requirements
* Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene within the kitchen
* Follow food safety, health and safety, and infection control procedures
* Manage stock, deliveries and food storage appropriately
* Work collaboratively with colleagues to support the smooth running of the service
About you
You will be a reliable and organised individual with experience of working in a kitchen or catering environment. You understand the importance of nutrition, food safety and consistency, particularly within a care setting. You take pride in your work, work well as part of a team and are able to plan your time effectively. A food hygiene qualification is desirable or willingness to work towards one, along with a flexible and positive approach. This role is subject to PVG Scheme membership.
Why join us
* A stable role within one dedicated service
* Supportive, values-led team environment
* Training and development opportunities
* Competitive pay and generous holiday entitlement
* Opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to daily life within the service
Interested?
If you enjoy cooking and want your work to have a positive impact every day, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join the team at Balmedie.
We also offer you a range of benefits that you would expect from an organisation that support others.
Firstly, there is access to a wide range of exclusive retail and leisure discounts through our rewards scheme and the Blue Light Discount card. We also ensure that your future and that of your loved ones is secured with a generous contributory pension plan and death in service benefit. Balancing work and family are made easier with our suite of enhanced family friendly policies and your health and wellness are prioritised with access to our health cash plan, giving you cash back for a wide range of health treatments. We even have access to a care concierge service to assist you with life's challenges, providing invaluable support when you need it most.
But we also know that your training and development is important to you, and as well as a contribution to your professional membership fees, we are keen to support you in making the right steps to learn, grow and develop in ways that are right for you.
CrossReach has been at the forefront of high quality social care for over 150 years, providing loving care to people of all ages and supporting them to live life to the full whatever their circumstances. During that time, we have worked hard to understand the needs of the people who turn to us for help and with them have been at the forefront of pioneering services which have literally changed thousands of lives for the better.
Today we are one of the largest social care providers in Scotland, with experience across a broad range of services. We are still growing, learning, and improving, thanks to the incredible people we have the privilege to support, and all those who support us. We are part of the Church of Scotland and aim to provide social care services and specialist resources in Christ’s name to further the caring work of the Church to people in challenging circumstances.
As a Christian organisation, you will need to have a respect for all aspects of Christian worship.
You will also need to become amember of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme and undertake the necessary vetting checks.You will also be required to adhere to the SSSC Code of practice.
We have a legal obligation to ensure that we do not employ any worker who has not been granted the relevant permission to work in the UK. This permission is without exception granted by UK Visas and Immigrations. We are required to check the entitlement to work in the UK of all prospective employees, regardless of nationality or job category.
We are committed to ensuring that we attract, retain, and develop the very best people to build a diverse and talented team and we recognise that every individual’s unique background, experience and ability contributes to our success. We aim to create an inclusive and inspiring environment where individuals feel valued and respected and where people can belong, thrive and be their very best, whoever they are.
If you have any queries regarding this role or our recruitment process, please contact the Recruitment team on recruitment.team@crossreach.org.uk
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert prior to the closing date. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
* Application Process: Please apply for this post by completing the application process on Jobtrain. You can find out more about our recruitment process CrossReach Recruitment Process
* CV Upload: DO NOT upload a CV as this will not be used for shortlisting purposes.
* Deadline: Posts close at midnight on the indicated date.
* Application Assistance: For help completing an application on Jobtrain, please click here – Application Guidance – Jobtrain
* To view our accessibility statement, please click here. CrossReach Accessibility Statement
* Communication: Please note that most of our communication is via email; therefore, please ensure you enter your email address accurately and ensure that “Jobtrain” and “CrossReach” are marked as safe email address. However, we will at times also call you or send you a text message.
* Check Email Regularly: Please check your email regularly (including junk folders) and also your Jobtrain account for updates.
* Support Hub: For advice and support with any system issues, please contact Jobtrain Candidate Support Hub – Jobtrain – Jobseekers Support Hub
* Browser Recommendation: We recommend using the internet browsers "Google Chrome" or "Microsoft Edge" when using Jobtrain.
* Amendments: Once you have submitted your application form, you will be unable to make any amendments.
Cook employer: CrossReach
Contact Detail:
CrossReach Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research CrossReach and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since the role is all about preparing nutritious meals, consider whipping up a few dishes that align with the dietary needs mentioned in the job description. Bring some samples to your interview if possible!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees. Reach out on LinkedIn or other platforms to get insider tips about the kitchen culture at CrossReach. They might share valuable insights that can give you an edge during the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Don’t forget to check your email regularly for updates after applying!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your experience and skills match what we're looking for, so make sure you highlight those in your application!
Show Your Passion for Cooking: We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about food and care. Share your experiences that showcase your love for cooking and how it contributes to creating a positive atmosphere for residents.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there.
How to prepare for a job interview at CrossReach
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of ingredients you’ll be using in the role. Be ready to discuss how you can use fresh, quality ingredients to create nutritious meals that cater to individual dietary needs. This shows your passion for food and care.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work in adult care homes. Highlight specific instances where you’ve successfully managed dietary requirements or led a kitchen team. This will demonstrate your relevant experience and ability to contribute positively to the team.
✨Emphasise Food Hygiene Knowledge
Make sure you’re up to date on food hygiene and safety standards. Be prepared to discuss your certifications and how you implement these practices in the kitchen. This is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of residents.
✨Engage with the Role's Values
Understand and express why you want to work in a caring environment. Share your thoughts on how food can nurture and support individuals, and be ready to discuss how you would encourage residents to participate in food-related activities.
