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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 28 days holiday, free parking, and a £500 referral bonus.
- 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 and 2 years' experience in a catering environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for funded qualifications and employee recognition rewards.
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We are looking for an experienced and creative Cook to join our Okeley Care Home in Chelmsford, 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 per hour
- 27 hours per week. 3 Shifts per week
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
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*
- 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.
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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 the 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 and working with large teams. Being able to demonstrate leadership skills and teamwork will make you stand out as a candidate who can contribute positively to the kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your knowledge of health and safety regulations, food hygiene, and quality assurance systems during the interview. Showing that you prioritise safety and quality will reassure the hiring team of your professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to share examples of how you've created engaging meal experiences in previous roles. This could include special themed meals or activities that involve residents, demonstrating your creativity and commitment to enhancing their quality of life.
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 responsibilities and requirements for the Cook position at Okeley Care Home. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in cooking for large numbers and managing a kitchen. Mention any qualifications like NVQ Level 2 in catering and hospitality, as well as your interpersonal skills.
Showcase Your Passion: Express your passion for providing outstanding meal experiences and supporting residents in a care home setting. Share examples of how you have contributed to creating a positive dining experience in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, make sure to proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Excelcare Holdings
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking experience in detail. Bring examples of menus you've created or meals you've prepared, especially for large groups. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of a care home kitchen.
✨Understand Dietary Requirements
Familiarise yourself with common dietary needs, especially for elderly individuals. Be ready to discuss how you would accommodate specific dietary restrictions and preferences, as this is crucial in a care home setting.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Communication
Since you'll be working closely with healthcare professionals and other kitchen staff, emphasise your interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Health & Safety
Make sure you can talk about food hygiene practices and health and safety regulations. Being knowledgeable in these areas shows that you take your responsibilities seriously and can maintain a safe kitchen environment.
