At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals for residents, ensuring dietary needs are met.
- Company: Join MHA at Davids House, a caring and supportive environment.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 28 days holiday, pension scheme, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Friendly team atmosphere with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through quality food and service.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking and knowledge of food safety principles.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Hours: 20 hours per week
Salary: £17.33 per hour
For this role, we are currently considering candidates who live within approximately 15 miles of the Care Home. This ensures commutes are manageable and support your wellbeing and work-life balance. If you live outside this area but would still find the commute manageable, please get in touch - we are happy to review individual circumstances.
About the role
We are looking for a skilled and motivated Chef to join our catering team at MHA. This is a rewarding role where you will play a vital part in supporting residents' health, wellbeing and enjoyment of daily life through high-quality, nutritious meals.
As a Chef, you will be responsible for preparing and serving meals that meet residents' dietary and nutritional needs, while respecting individual choice, dignity and cultural preferences. You will help maintain a safe, efficient and welcoming kitchen environment, in line with food safety legislation and MHA values.
What you will do
- Prepare, cook and serve nutritious meals for residents, visitors and staff, including catering for occasional events.
- Plan menus with the Home Manager to ensure meals are balanced, appealing and meet individual dietary needs, including those of residents living with dementia.
- Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety and HACCP requirements, maintaining accurate records and audits.
- Manage food stocks and ordering, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to agreed budgets.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all kitchen and food storage areas.
- Supervise and support kitchen assistants and oversee others using the kitchen.
- Assist with the induction and training of new kitchen staff.
- Attend staff and resident meetings where appropriate.
About you
We are looking for someone who is organised, reliable and passionate about delivering good-quality food and service for older people. You will bring:
- Previous experience cooking in a care, hospitality, restaurant or pub environment.
- Knowledge and understanding of food safety and HACCP principles.
- The ability to work well as part of a team and communicate clearly with colleagues.
- A flexible approach to work and willingness to work a 7-day rota.
- Sensitivity to the needs of older people and a commitment to quality and customer-focused service.
- Willingness to undertake further training and development as required.
- Relevant catering qualifications (e.g. City & Guilds, NVQ Level 2, or equivalent) are desirable but not essential.
Why join MHA?
You will be joining an organisation with strong values, a supportive culture and a genuine commitment to helping people live later life well. At MHA, catering plays a central role in residents' wellbeing, and your contribution will be valued and recognised.
Rewards and benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, you will enjoy:
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) and an option to buy annual leave (pro-rota for part time).
- A strong pension scheme and life assurance.
- Free DBS checks and uniforms (where applicable).
- Confidential counselling, chaplaincy support and access to our hardship fund.
- Flexible options to buy or sell annual leave, plus family-friendly policies.
- Discounts through the Blue Light Card, Health Service Discounts and the Vivup app.
- A full induction, ongoing training and clear development opportunities.
- Long service awards to celebrate your contribution.
About the home
Davids House care home in Harrow is a warm and values-led home where colleagues work together with compassion, integrity and a shared sense of purpose. The team is known for being friendly and supportive, helping new colleagues settle in quickly and feel part of the community.
With a strong emphasis on dignity, independence and wellbeing, colleagues play a key role in creating a safe, calm and welcoming atmosphere for residents. Rooted in MHA's charitable ethos, the home encourages colleagues to learn, grow and bring ideas that contribute to meaningful care.
For job seekers wanting a role that feels purposeful and people-focused, Davids House provides a positive environment to build skills and make a lasting difference.
Please note that interviews may take place prior to the closing date and if a suitable candidate is appointed the role may close early.
Recruitment agencies: please note, MHA do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies, regardless of whether they are on our Preferred Supplier List (PSL). We only accept CVs from agencies that have been appointed and briefed by MHA's Recruitment Team.
Chef based at Davids House, Harrow employer: Joveo
MHA is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and development of its staff, offering a supportive culture and a strong commitment to helping individuals live fulfilling lives in later years. As a Chef at Davids House in Harrow, you will enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowances, and access to ongoing training and development opportunities, all within a friendly and compassionate team environment that values your contributions to residents' health and happiness.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef based at Davids House, Harrow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, and former colleagues who might know someone at Davids House or in the care sector. A personal connection can often get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Davids House and MHA's values. Show us that you understand their commitment to quality care and how you can contribute to that mission with your culinary skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your cooking skills and be ready to showcase them! If there's an opportunity for a trial shift or cooking demonstration, grab it. This is your chance to shine and show us what you can bring to the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef based at Davids House, Harrow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let us see your love for cooking and how it translates into creating nutritious meals. Share any experiences that highlight your commitment to quality food and service, especially in a care setting.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Chef position at Davids House. Highlight your previous roles in care or hospitality, and don’t forget to mention any catering qualifications you have!
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this role involves a 7-day rota, be upfront about your availability in your application. If you have flexibility, let us know! It shows you're ready to be part of our team and adapt to the needs of the kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Joveo
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the dietary needs and preferences of older people, especially those living with dementia. Be ready to discuss how you would create balanced and appealing menus that cater to individual tastes while ensuring nutritional value.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your previous roles in care, hospitality, or restaurants that highlight your cooking skills and knowledge of food safety and HACCP principles. This will demonstrate your ability to maintain high standards in a kitchen environment.
✨Team Player Attitude
Emphasise your ability to work well within a team. Share experiences where you've collaborated with others, supervised kitchen assistants, or contributed to a positive kitchen atmosphere. This is crucial in a setting that values compassion and support.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about menu planning processes, how the team supports residents' wellbeing through food, or opportunities for further training. This shows you're genuinely invested in the position.
