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- Tasks: Supervise kitchen operations and prepare meals for older adults with diverse dietary needs.
- Company: Join Midlothian Council at Highbank Intermediate Care, dedicated to enhancing community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent role with flexible hours and opportunities to engage in community events.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in clients' lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: VQ 2 in Food Preparation & Cooking or equivalent and relevant experience required.
- Other info: This role involves regulated work with protected adults; PVG membership is necessary.
The predicted salary is between 14793 - 16500 £ per year.
Job Vacancy
Based at Highbank Intermediate Care, (which will shortly be moving to a brand new purpose build building in Bonnyrigg) you will cater for older adults with varying dietary requirements.
You will work alongside the other cook to supervise the kitchen and serving duties which includes delegation of tasks amongst the team and participate in the preparation, baking, cooking and serving of all foods, ordering of provisions and maintaining stock levels.
You will also assist in the catering for events such as our annual summer BBQ and Christmas Fayre which allows us to interact with the local community and raise money for the Clients Welfare Fund.
You will also cater for seasonal events such as Easter, Christmas party and Hogmanay and we encourage staff to be involved in these events to have a sense of team work and belonging.
You will provide supervision to Kitchen staff and ensure high standards of kitchen hygiene. This is an exciting opportunity to support clients to maintain a varied diet and choices as well as meeting nutritional requirements for the individuals.
KNOWLEDGE
SVQ 2 in Food Preparation & Cooking or equivalent is essential.
Relevant experience is essential and you must demonstrate a positive and caring approach to working with older people as well as adapting to varying dietary needs.
The REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate or equivalent is desirable.
CLOSING DATE – Sunday 31 August 2025
INTERVIEW DATE – week beginning 8th September 2025
Job Advert
Position Title: Cook (Chargehand)
Position Number: MSW175
Directorate: Health & Social Care
Location: Highbank Intermediate Care
Contract Status: Permanent
Hours of Work: 18 hours per week
Working Pattern: 5 week rota including weekends
Weeks per year: 52
Please note that it is Midlothian Councils policy that successful applicants will be appointed to the first point on the salary scale.
Based on 18 hours over 52 weeks per year, the minimum actual salary for this position is £14,793.03 per annum.
Requirements
This post is considered Regulated Work with Protected Adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with protected adults.
Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Protected Adults, You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you. For further information on the PVG Scheme please visit www.disclosurescotland.gov.uk
Please note that Disclosure Scotland has changed the way PVG certificates are issued. You will be notified by email from Disclosure Scotland that your certificate is available to view. Once you have viewed your certificate you will be allowed to share this with your employer and it is only available for 14 days from the first day you have viewed the certificate. If you do not grant access to Midlothian Council to view before access is removed, a further application will need to be generated, and this will incur an additional cost.
Additional Information
If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email recruitment@midlothian.gov.uk to discuss with member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number.
Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you. Thank you for your patience in this matter.
If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
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Cook (Chargehand) - Highbank Intermediate Care - MID06969 employer: Midlothian Council
Contact Detail:
Midlothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook (Chargehand) - Highbank Intermediate Care - MID06969
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the dietary requirements of older adults. Understanding common dietary restrictions and preferences will help you demonstrate your ability to cater to the needs of clients during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully supervised a kitchen team in the past. Be ready to discuss how you delegate tasks effectively and maintain high standards of hygiene.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the community! Mention any previous experience you have in catering for events or working with local organisations, as this aligns with the role's emphasis on community interaction.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to teamwork and collaboration. Highlight instances where you've worked closely with others to create a positive kitchen environment, especially during busy periods or special events.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook (Chargehand) - Highbank Intermediate Care - MID06969
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Cook (Chargehand) position. Highlight your relevant experience in catering for older adults and managing kitchen staff.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your experience in food preparation, cooking, and supervising kitchen staff. Include any relevant qualifications such as VQ 2 in Food Preparation & Cooking and the REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with older adults and your ability to adapt to varying dietary needs. Mention specific examples of your previous work that demonstrate your skills and positive approach.
Highlight Teamwork and Community Engagement: Emphasise your experience in teamwork and community involvement, especially in catering for events like BBQs and Christmas Fayres. This shows your commitment to creating a sense of belonging and teamwork within the kitchen.
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and catering, especially for older adults. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to providing nutritious meals tailored to dietary needs.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills
Since the role involves supervising kitchen staff, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Provide examples of how you've successfully delegated tasks in previous roles and how you foster a positive team environment.
✨Highlight Your Knowledge of Food Hygiene
Given the importance of kitchen hygiene, be ready to talk about your understanding of food safety standards. Mention any relevant certifications, like the REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate, and how you ensure compliance in a kitchen setting.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, particularly in catering for events or managing dietary restrictions. Think of specific scenarios where you had to adapt menus or handle unexpected challenges in the kitchen.
