At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook meals for residents, manage kitchen staff, and ensure high hygiene standards.
- Company: Look Ahead is a leading not-for-profit care provider in London, transforming lives through social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 30 days annual leave, exclusive discounts, training opportunities, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday, 3.30pm-7.30pm, with a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Join a compassionate team making a real difference in people's lives while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: No experience required, just bring your positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Job Description
We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Chef to join our Edward Alsop Court Service in Westminster.
£11,966.50 per annum, working 17.5 hours per week.
Want to feel like you're part of one team? You'll feel at home here.Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures – we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
- Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
- Free DBS (take this out if BSW advert)
- Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
- Fully paid induction programme and further training
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
Our kitchen chef will prepare and cook meals for residents according to agreed menus. Oversees the service kitchen by managing any other members of the food preparation team, deciding what dishes to serve and adjusting orders to meet client's requests.
Monday-Friday 3.30pm-7.30pm. 17.5 hours per week
What you'll do:
- To be responsible for the day-to-day supervision for all staff working in the kitchen/dining room
- To prepare and cook meals for residents according to agreed menus
- To ensure that meals are provided on time in accordance advertised meal times
- To ensure food kitchen hygiene meets a high standard at all times
- To ensure that all meals are appropriately presented and served
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:
- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
- Approachable and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
What you'll bring:
Essential:
- *Holds a level 3 food safety certificate
Desirable:
- Previously worked in a kitchen environment
About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
- We focus on Excellence and innovation.
- We are Caring and Compassionate.
- We are Inclusive and Trusted.
- We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Please see full Job description on our website
Part-time chef employer: Look Ahead Care Support and Housing
Contact Detail:
Look Ahead Care Support and Housing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Part-time chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the values and mission of Look Ahead. Understanding their commitment to excellence, compassion, and inclusivity will help you align your approach during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your ability to create a welcoming environment in your interactions. Since the role involves working with residents who have complex needs, demonstrating empathy and a calm demeanour can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing kitchen staff and ensuring high hygiene standards. Even if you lack formal experience, sharing relevant examples from past roles can highlight your organisational skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to talk about how you handle feedback and complaints from customers. This role requires a customer-focused attitude, so illustrating your problem-solving skills will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace Part-time chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and values Look Ahead is looking for in a chef. Highlight your ability to create a welcoming environment and your experience in food preparation, even if it's informal.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and qualities mentioned in the job description. Emphasise your teamwork abilities, resilience, and customer-focused approach. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've embodied these traits in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and your commitment to providing excellent service. Mention your understanding of the needs of clients with complex requirements and how you can contribute positively to their dining experience.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, double-check for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Look Ahead Care Support and Housing
✨Show Your Compassion
As a chef in a care environment, it's essential to demonstrate kindness and compassion. Share examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy or supported others, as this aligns with the values of the organisation.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative settings. Mention specific instances where you contributed to a team's success or helped resolve conflicts.
✨Demonstrate Resilience
The job requires a calm and resilient attitude, especially when dealing with challenging situations. Be ready to talk about how you've handled stress or adversity in previous roles, showcasing your ability to maintain composure.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions related to food preparation, hygiene standards, and menu design. Brush up on your culinary knowledge and be ready to discuss how you would create a welcoming dining experience for residents.