At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare nutritious and beautifully presented meals for residents in a supportive care environment.
- Company: Dovehaven Lodge, a caring nursing home focused on dignity and respect.
- Benefits: Real Living Wage, 28 days annual leave, paid training, and free parking.
- Other info: Join a strong, compassionate team dedicated to excellence and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of elderly residents while enjoying flexible shifts.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and a willingness to achieve relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 € per year.
Care Home Cook at Dovehaven Lodge Nursing Home, Tag Lane, Preston.
20 hour contract, two days a week 7am-6pm on a rota basis with every other weekend availability required.
Looking for a rewarding role where flexibility and teamwork go hand in hand? At Dovehaven we don’t just fill shifts, we build teams people want to stay in. This is a role where you’re trusted, supported, and genuinely valued.
Why People Choose This Role- Long shifts = more full days off
- Real Living Wage, because your work matters
- Strong, supportive team on every shift
- Paid training before you start, not thrown in at the deep end
- Clear routines, real responsibility
About Dovehaven Lodge: Dovehaven Lodge is a Nursing home catering for up to 112 residents. The home specialises in dementia care, and our aim is to ensure all our residents feel as comfortable as possible. Our homes promote independence, dignity and respect through positive risk taking and empowerment.
Your Role: The role of Cook will require you to ensure that nutritious and beautifully presented meals are provided for our residents. At Dovehaven Lodge we use Apetito as our catering supplier. Apetito are a company who produce nutritious, great-tasting meals for hospitals, care homes and community services across the UK. They have a wide range of well-presented, nutritious meals to suit every taste and dietary need; they aim to make a real difference to the lives of elderly and vulnerable people in care.
Ideal candidates will have previous residential home or hotel experience with the ability to prepare meals for 50 or more residents. You will be dependable and flexible to meet the needs of the residents and the home.
QualificationsThe post holder is expected to possess or be willing to work towards achievement of at least Catering (C&G) or NVQ 3. Qualifications in Food Hygiene and First Aid are desirable.
We’re looking for people who are:- Calm, dependable, compassionate, and caring
- Comfortable working independently
- Team players who support others
- Genuinely motivated to make a difference
- Resilience and adaptability in a dynamic care environment
- Commitment to excellence and continuous learning
- Real Living Wage
- 4 weekly pay
- 28 days annual leave (pro rata)
- Paid DBS
- Free parking
- Full induction before your first shift
- Ongoing training and development
- Fully Paid Training and ongoing development through our training academy
- Uniform provided
- Company Pension Scheme
- Full-time contract
- Every other weekend required
- No sponsorship available
- Enhanced DBS required
As part of our recruitment process you will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check.
Care Home Cook in Preston employer: Dovehaven Care Homes
At Dovehaven Lodge, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment where teamwork is at the heart of everything we do. Our Care Home Cook role not only provides a competitive Real Living Wage and generous annual leave but also ensures that you are part of a strong team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents. With ongoing training and development opportunities, you will be empowered to grow your skills while enjoying the satisfaction of providing nutritious meals in a caring atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care Home Cook in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, check out Dovehaven Lodge online and see if you can connect with current staff on social media. This will give you insights into the team culture and help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to cooking in a care home setting. Think about how you can showcase your experience with meal prep for large groups and your ability to cater to dietary needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, express why you want to work at Dovehaven Lodge specifically. Talk about your commitment to providing nutritious meals and how you can contribute to the residents' well-being.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows you're genuinely interested and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Care Home Cook in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you write your application, let us know why you love cooking and how it can make a difference in our residents' lives. Share any experiences that highlight your passion for creating nutritious meals!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous roles you've had in residential homes or hotels. We want to see how your experience prepares you for cooking for 50+ residents and working as part of a supportive team.
Be Yourself:We’re looking for calm, dependable, and caring individuals. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Tell us about your teamwork skills and how you handle challenges in a dynamic environment.
Apply Through Our Website:To make the process easier for both of us, please apply directly through our website. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the info you need about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dovehaven Care Homes
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing, especially those from Apetito. Be ready to discuss how you can cater to various dietary needs and preferences, as this shows your understanding of the role and its importance.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key at Dovehaven Lodge, think of examples where you've worked well in a team. Highlight your ability to support colleagues and adapt to different situations, which will resonate with their values.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Care
Express your genuine motivation to make a difference in residents' lives. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your compassion and commitment to providing excellent care through your cooking.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific scenarios in the kitchen, such as managing dietary restrictions or dealing with unexpected challenges. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
