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- Tasks: Prepare delicious meals and ensure a fantastic dining experience for residents.
- Company: Join EQ Care Group, a compassionate provider of elderly care.
- Benefits: Enjoy a birthday day off, 28 days leave, and free meals on shift.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking and a passion for providing excellent service.
- Other info: Be part of a heart-centred team in a modern, welcoming care home.
The predicted salary is between 22464 - 33696 £ per year.
£28,080 per annum
40 hours per week to include alternate weekends
Acer Lodge, Eleanor Street, Blackburn, BB1 1GA
As the Cook at Acer Lodge, you will be placed at the heart of the home along with the people that live here. You will work alongside the Head Chef and deputise in their absence. You will prepare and provide both nutritionally and satisfying meals for all residents. You will be part of the catering team and work closely with other departments making sure that the highest service standards are met. You will ensure that the mealtime experience is exceptional for every person regardless of their needs, including cultural/religious as well as medical needs such as IDDSI diet. Together with The Head Chef, you will maintain a safe working environment and lead by example.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Liaise with residents to ensure they are happy with the food and beverages being provided within the home including attending resident dining experience committees.
- Ensure the cleanliness of the kitchen and hygiene standards are achieved and maintained and is fit for EHO inspection at all times.
- Ensure that the rota is covered and the correct level of team members are on shift.
- Attend and actively contribute to team meetings.
- Perform any additional duties as assigned by the Head Chef / Home Manager to support the overall functioning of the home.
Skills, Qualifications and Abilities
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience within a similar environment desirable.
- NVQ Level 2 in Food Production & Cooking (or equivalent) or a willingness to complete this qualification if not already obtained.
- Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Office and internal applications; with the ability to learn new systems quickly.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while also being self-motivated and capable of working independently.
The Company and Care Home
EQ Care Group is a trusted provider of exceptional elderly care, dedicated to creating warm, compassionate environments where individuals can truly thrive. Operating for three years now, we currently have five homes open, with more being built to expand our portfolio. We specialise in delivering high-quality care to those who need it most, with a focus on dementia care and other complex needs. Our approach goes beyond simply meeting physical needs—we strive to create meaningful, enriching experiences for the people living in our homes.
Acer Lodge opened in July 2024; a 70 bed nursing and dementia specialist care home in the heart of Blackburn, combines modern comfort with classic charm, offering a welcoming home for people who need care & support. With spacious en-suite bedrooms, spectacular communal areas, and beautiful gardens, Acer Lodge is a place to live well and thrive. We are looking for people to join our heart-centred team who will provide exceptional, personalised care, ensuring everyone feels valued, supported, and at home at Acer Lodge.
Benefits of working at EQ Care
- Day off for your birthday - start your celebrations early!
- Blue Light Discount Card - access exclusive savings and offers.
- 28 days of annual leave (pro rata) - enjoy a healthy work-life balance.
- Salary advance scheme (Level) - access earned pay when you need it.
- Contributory pension - helping you plan for your future.
- Dedicated Learning & Development - continuous training and career growth opportunities.
- Team member rewards - recognising and celebrating your hard work.
- Free meals on shift - enjoy a meal on us while you work.
- Free tax review service - making sure you keep more of what you earn.
- Refer a friend scheme - earn up to £500 for successful referrals! (Terms apply)
Please note: If you are not a UK resident, you must already have the legal right to work in the UK, with at least 14 months remaining on your visa. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship.
This job description may differ as new information technology, policies and contractual agreements change, and we reserve the right to vary duties without notice.
Cook (care home experience) in Blackburn employer: EQ Care Group
Contact Detail:
EQ Care Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook (care home experience) in Blackburn
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on EQ Care Group and Acer Lodge. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their heart-centred approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to cooking and care home experience. Think about how you can highlight your skills in food production and teamwork, especially how you can contribute to creating exceptional mealtime experiences for residents.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, share stories about your previous experiences in similar environments. Talk about how you’ve made a difference in residents' lives through your cooking and how you can bring that same energy to Acer Lodge.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook (care home experience) in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences you've had in care homes or similar environments, and how you’ve made mealtimes special for residents.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your relevant skills, like communication and teamwork, and mention any qualifications you have that relate to food production and cooking.
Keep It Clean and Professional: Just like a tidy kitchen, your application should be neat and professional. Use clear language, check for spelling and grammar mistakes, and make sure it’s easy to read. A polished application shows you care!
Apply Through Our Website: We’d love to see your application come through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our amazing team at EQ Care.
How to prepare for a job interview at EQ Care Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of food preparation and dietary needs, especially those relevant to care homes. Familiarise yourself with IDDSI diets and how to cater to various cultural and medical requirements. This will show that you’re not just a cook, but someone who understands the importance of nutrition in a care setting.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be working closely with the Head Chef and other departments, highlight your teamwork skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've collaborated in previous roles, especially in high-pressure environments. This will demonstrate that you can contribute positively to the catering team at Acer Lodge.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Strong verbal communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might be asked about how you would handle feedback from residents or how you ensure their satisfaction with meals. Prepare some scenarios to discuss that showcase your ability to listen and respond effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Hygiene
Given the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in a care home kitchen, be ready to discuss your experience with maintaining high standards. Talk about specific practices you follow to ensure compliance with health regulations and how you lead by example in creating a safe working environment.