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- Tasks: Prepare and cook nutritious meals for residents, ensuring dietary needs are met.
- Company: Excelcare, a family-owned care home group with over 34 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 28 days holiday, free parking, and funded qualifications.
- Why this job: Join a compassionate team and make a real difference in residents' lives through food.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, NVQ Level 2 in hospitality, and strong interpersonal skills.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and team appreciation events.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
We are looking for an experienced and creative Bank Cook to join our St Fillan Care Home, Colchester, Essex. You will become part of a compassionate and welcoming team providing physical, emotional, and social support and most importantly outstanding meal experiences for the people living in our care home. Your dedication, reliability and support will make a difference every day.
Excelcare is a family-owned care home group established for over 34 years. We provide the highest standards of care to older people with a range of needs including dementia, physical disabilities, and mental health issues. By joining us you will become one of the 'family' and in return for your dedication and hard work you can expect:
- Salary: £14.25 - £16.65 per hour
- Schedule: Monday - Sunday - As and when required by the home
- Contract: This role is a zero hours contract
About the role:
As the Care Home Cook, you will be required to prepare and cook nutritious meals using fresh ingredients. Responsibilities include:
- Schedule weekly meal menus, paying attention to individual dietary requirements
- Work with the Home Manager to ensure that ordering of stock is in line with budgetary requirements
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals involved in the support of people living in our care homes to ensure meal plans and dietary requirements fall into individuals' support plans and risk assessments
- Maintain quality assurance systems within the kitchen
- Undertake supervision of other kitchen team members
- Have a full understanding of Health & Safety as well as Food Hygiene issues, COSHH, and working within the guidelines relating to contamination and cross infection
- Be involved in meaningful activities with the people living in our care home while promoting independence, choice, dignity, and respect
What we are looking for from you:
- Experience of cooking for large numbers
- NVQ Level 2 in catering and hospitality
- 2 years' experience in a catering environment
- 12 months experience in managing a kitchen
- Excellent interpersonal skills
What we offer in return for your hard work:
- 28 Days holiday including bank holidays
- Free on-site parking*
- Enhancement to pay on bank holidays
- Refer a Friend Scheme rewarding £500 for every person you refer
- DBS certificate paid by Excelcare*
- Comprehensive induction programme
- Funded qualifications via the apprenticeship programme (where required)
- Paid uniform
- Employee of the month - £100 for outstanding contribution
- Team appreciation week
*Terms and Conditions apply
If you are interested in the position, please apply online today - we look forward to hearing from you.
Bank Cook in Colchester employer: Excelcare Holdings
Contact Detail:
Excelcare Holdings Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bank Cook in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the care home and its values. This way, you can show how your cooking style aligns with their mission of providing outstanding meal experiences.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! If you can, whip up a few dishes that showcase your creativity and ability to cater to dietary needs. Bring some photos or even samples to your interview to impress them!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since you'll be working closely with other kitchen staff and healthcare professionals, think of examples where you've collaborated effectively in the past. It shows you're a team player!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Bank Cook in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When writing your application, let us know why you love cooking and how it connects to providing outstanding meal experiences. Share any creative ideas you have for menus or special dietary needs – we want to see your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your experience in catering and managing kitchens. We’re looking for someone who’s been in the game for a while, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills and achievements in your written application.
Be Personable: Since this role involves working closely with residents, it’s important to convey your interpersonal skills. Use your application to demonstrate how you connect with others and promote dignity and respect in your cooking.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our family at Excelcare!
How to prepare for a job interview at Excelcare Holdings
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing. Research dietary requirements and common allergens, as well as how to cater for various needs. This shows your commitment to providing outstanding meal experiences.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare a few meal ideas or menus that highlight your creativity and ability to work with fresh ingredients. Bring these along to discuss during the interview, as it demonstrates your passion for cooking and your understanding of the role.
✨Understand the Care Home Environment
Brush up on the specific challenges faced in a care home kitchen, such as dietary restrictions and food safety regulations. Being knowledgeable about these aspects will show that you’re ready to contribute positively to the team.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since you'll be working closely with other staff and healthcare professionals, highlight your interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles, as this is crucial for creating a supportive environment.
