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- Tasks: Prepare and cook nutritious meals while managing kitchen operations.
- Company: Excelcare is a family-owned care home group with over 34 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy £16.00 per hour, 28 days holiday, free parking, and funded qualifications.
- Why this job: Join a compassionate team making a real difference in residents' lives through outstanding meal experiences.
- Qualifications: Must have NVQ Level 2 in catering, 2 years' experience, and excellent interpersonal skills.
- Other info: Employee of the month rewards and a refer-a-friend scheme available.
We are looking for an experienced and creative Cook to join our Limecourt Care Home in Harwich. 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: £16.00 per hour
- Hours: 28 hours per week, Monday - Sunday, 7.30am-4.30pm
About the role:
- As the Care Home Cook, you will be required to prepare and cook nutritious meals using fresh ingredients.
- 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.
- Work 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.
- You will be involved in meaningful activities with the people living in our care home as well as always 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 as you will be involved in meaningful interactions.
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.
If you are interested in the position, please apply online today – we look forward to hearing from you.
Cook employer: Excelcare Holdings
Contact Detail:
Excelcare Holdings Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs of residents in care homes. Understanding how to cater for various dietary restrictions and preferences will show that you are not only skilled but also compassionate about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in managing a kitchen effectively. Be prepared to discuss how you've previously scheduled menus, ordered stock within budget, and maintained quality assurance systems in your past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your interpersonal skills during any interactions. Since you'll be working closely with both staff and residents, showing that you can communicate well and build relationships is crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to share examples of how you've promoted independence and dignity in your previous cooking roles. This aligns with the values of the care home and shows that you understand the importance of these principles in a care setting.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the specific requirements and responsibilities of the Cook position. Highlight your relevant experience in cooking for large numbers and managing a kitchen.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your experience in catering and hospitality, particularly any roles where you prepared meals for individuals with dietary needs. Include your NVQ Level 2 qualification prominently.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and caring for others. Mention how your skills align with the values of Excelcare and your commitment to providing outstanding meal experiences.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Excelcare Holdings
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking experience in detail. Highlight specific dishes you've prepared, especially those that cater to dietary requirements, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Care Home Environment
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges of cooking in a care home setting. Be ready to talk about how you can create meal experiences that promote dignity and respect for residents.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Leadership
Since you'll be supervising other kitchen team members, share examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Emphasise your interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively.
✨Knowledge of Health & Safety Regulations
Brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene, COSHH, and health and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in the kitchen to maintain a safe environment.
