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- Tasks: Join us as a Casual Cook, preparing meals and sandwiches for vulnerable people.
- Company: North Somerset Council is dedicated to serving the community with compassion and care.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in maths and English; food safety hygiene certificate preferred.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic kitchen setting with a focus on teamwork and community impact.
About Us
North Somerset Council's Community Meals Service are looking for Cooks/Kitchen Assistants for casual hours to cover cook's duties during periods of leave to reheat pre-prepared meals and make sandwiches to be delivered 7 days a week to vulnerable people. There is a need to cover across two kitchens for North Somerset Council, one in the South of North Somerset (Weston based and cover of surrounding villages) and the North of North Somerset (Clevedon based and cover of surrounding villages).
The Role
- Experience required within a kitchen environment particularly with cooking and freezer temperatures.
- Training will be provided by our on-site cooks in the use of the kitchen equipment.
- You must be willing to train in Environmental Health regulations required in a kitchen environment, including keeping daily recordings of temperatures and in stock control.
- Sandwiches should be freshly made each day for teas while waiting for ovens to heat.
- Food is then loaded into insulated boxes for the team of Community Meals drivers to take out for delivery. First deliveries start at 11.30.
- You will be supported by a Team Manager and the Community Meals Business Support Team.
- Our kitchens operate 7 days a week over 52 weeks except Christmas Day and New Years Day when alternative provision will be provided.
- The hours will be between 8am and 2pm weekdays, depending on the kitchen, and between 9am and 12pm at weekends.
Key Responsibilities:
- Cooking of pre-prepared food delivered from manufacturers.
- Preparation of ingredients for sandwiches, salads for evening meals.
- Knowledge of temperatures and storage of food in fridges and freezers.
- Must be experienced in moving around a kitchen as directed by Health and Safety requirements.
- Able to multitask as meals must be prepared ready for drivers to deliver to service users by a specified time.
- Keep a sanitised and orderly kitchen environment.
- Ensure all food and other items are stored properly at correct temperature.
- Monitor stock and place orders when there are shortages.
This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role. This position is currently based at our Castlewood offices in Worle and Castlewood. Please be advised that Castlewood office will be closing in 2025. Consultation is currently underway to determine the new location for colleagues based in Castlewood. This will be at Weston-super-Mare or within North Somerset.
Work Style
- Casual Worker
- You will be undertaking cooking at either Castlewood (until closure) or Worle, a new kitchen when arranged.
- Attends meetings as and when required.
About You
- NVQ level 2 or equivalent in maths and English to demonstrate numeracy and literacy.
- Understanding and knowledge of the specific work environment.
- Be able to perform routine activities (regenerating meals, cleaning rotas) after being shown how to do them.
- Practical work experience and training to achieve food safety hygiene certificate level 2.
- Practical work experience to give an understanding of the processes and practices required or to operate simple catering machinery.
- Polite and courteous with colleagues and the general public.
Essential Criteria:
- NVQ Level 2 in maths and English to demonstrate numeracy and literacy.
- Practical work experience and training to achieve Food Safety Hygiene certificate level 2.
- Practical work experience to give an understanding of the processes and practices to operate simple catering machinery.
- Understanding and knowledge of the specific work environment.
What We Offer
At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Local Government Pension.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
- Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
- Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team.
- Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.
Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.
How to Apply
If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact Christine Ratcliffe, Community Teams Manager, at Christine.Ratcliffe@n-somerset.gov.uk or 07386 963367.
Important Information
As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role. Interview Date: TBC. Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.
Equal Opportunities
At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.
Casual Cook employer: North Somerset Council
Contact Detail:
North Somerset Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific kitchen environment and health regulations. Understanding the layout and equipment used in the kitchens will help you feel more confident during your training and show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of North Somerset Council's Community Meals Service. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your ability to multitask effectively. In a busy kitchen environment, being able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously is crucial. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully juggled various responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion for helping vulnerable people through food service. Highlight any previous experience you have in community service or working with similar demographics, as this aligns well with the values of the Community Meals Service.
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and essential criteria. Make sure you highlight your relevant experience in cooking, food safety, and kitchen operations in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that match the requirements of the Casual Cook position. Emphasise any previous kitchen experience, food safety certifications, and your ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and your commitment to providing quality meals to vulnerable people. Mention specific examples of your experience in food preparation and your understanding of health and safety regulations.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you clearly state your NVQ Level 2 in maths and English, as well as any food safety hygiene certificates you hold. This will demonstrate that you meet the essential criteria for the role and are prepared for the responsibilities involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Somerset Council
✨Know Your Kitchen Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of kitchen operations, especially regarding food safety and hygiene. Familiarise yourself with the importance of temperature control and stock management, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Multitasking Skills
During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you handle multiple tasks at once. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed cooking, preparation, and cleaning simultaneously.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Community Service
Since this role involves delivering meals to vulnerable people, express your passion for community service. Highlight any previous experience you have in similar roles or your motivation to contribute positively to the community.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the role and the team you'll be working with. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand the work environment better.