At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our kitchen team to prepare delicious meals and support menu planning.
- Company: Dunlarg Care Home provides compassionate care in a supportive environment for residents.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid leave, training opportunities, and monthly incentives in a values-led culture.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on residents' wellbeing while working in a caring team.
- Qualifications: 2 years of cooking experience and a basic Food Safety certificate required.
- Other info: Free parking and uniforms provided; no sponsorship available.
Are you an experienced Cook with a passion for food? Join Our Team at Dunlarg Care Home situated in the tranquil countryside of Keady village, County Armagh. Dunlarg Care Home offers a welcoming and supportive environment with easy access to local shops and public transport. Our home comprises two units, providing care for up to 58 residents. We offer a broad range of care services including General Nursing and General Residential Care, with specialised support for individuals with Learning Disabilities, Mental Health needs, and Physical Disabilities under 65.
If you are passionate about delivering high-quality, person-centred care in a friendly and caring setting, we’d love to hear from you.
The Role
The food our residents eat plays a key part in the care we offer and as a result, the role of Cook is essential in our mission to provide excellent care. The Cook works closely with the Chef, supporting with menu planning, meal preparation, kitchen management and ensuring compliance with the necessary regulatory standards. The Cook has a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of our residents through the provision of high-quality, person-centred dining experiences. This role is about a lot more than preparing meals; it is essential in ensuring the dietary needs of our residents are met in addition to managing a safe and positive working environment for the team.
Main Responsibilities
- Support the kitchen team along with the Chef, providing the necessary training and support, encouraging development, motivation and best practice.
- Effective and efficient planning, preparation, and delivery of all aspects of food preparation and cooking.
- Ensuring operational standards comply.
- Assist with monitoring the home’s catering budget.
- Assist with developing and creating varied and interesting menus.
- Ensure that stock ordering and rotation is organised in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
- Undertake any other duties that may be reasonably required as designated by the Home Manager.
The Benefits:
- Paid annual leave.
- The chance to be part of a growing healthcare company.
- 4 weekly pay.
- Continuous professional development and training.
- Values-led culture.
- Overtime available at an enhanced rate.
- Opportunities for progression.
- Pension plan (if applicable).
- Attractive hourly rate.
- Access NI fee paid for.
- Uniforms and PPE provided.
- Monthly incentives and recognition awards.
- Free parking.
We do not offer sponsorship for this role. Healthcare Ireland are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.
Desired Criteria
- Experience in a care home or healthcare environment is desirable but not essential.
Required Criteria
- Right to Work in the UK.
- Minimum 2 years’ experience as Cook in a food preparation/kitchen environment or a similar role.
- Hold a basic Food Safety certificate.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Basic understanding of the dietary needs, nutritional and cultural requirements of elderly people.
- The ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
- Have basic knowledge of HACCP, COSHH and Health and Safety.
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Cook employer: Healthcare Ireland Group
Contact Detail:
Healthcare Ireland Group 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 elderly residents. Understanding their nutritional requirements will not only help you in the interview but also show your commitment to providing high-quality care.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in a care home or healthcare environment during your conversations. Even if it's not essential, it can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your understanding of the unique challenges in such settings.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your knowledge of HACCP, COSHH, and Health and Safety regulations. Being able to articulate your understanding of these standards will show that you are serious about maintaining a safe kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team. The role requires collaboration with the Chef and other kitchen staff, so demonstrating your teamwork skills will be crucial in making a positive impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Cook, particularly in a care home or healthcare environment. Emphasise your skills in food preparation, menu planning, and compliance with health and safety standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and care. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to meet the dietary needs of residents and your commitment to providing high-quality, person-centred dining experiences.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Include any relevant certifications, such as your basic Food Safety certificate. If you have knowledge of HACCP, COSHH, or Health and Safety regulations, make sure to mention these as they are crucial for the role.
Showcase Interpersonal Skills: Since the role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively worked in a team or interacted with residents in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Healthcare Ireland Group
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your love for cooking and how it relates to providing care. Share specific examples of dishes you enjoy preparing and how they can enhance the dining experience for residents.
✨Understand Dietary Needs
Familiarise yourself with the dietary requirements of elderly individuals, including any cultural or nutritional considerations. Be prepared to discuss how you would accommodate these needs in your meal planning.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with chefs and kitchen staff. Discuss past experiences where you supported team members and contributed to a positive working environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about food safety, HACCP, and kitchen management. Brush up on your knowledge of these topics and be ready to explain how you ensure compliance with health and safety standards in the kitchen.