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- Tasks: Lead the kitchen at a care home, preparing nutritious meals for residents.
- Company: Join NCHA, a supportive community-focused organisation dedicated to enhancing lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible shifts, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team, celebrating diversity and creating memorable dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and excellent customer service skills are essential.
- Other info: Shifts include weekdays and weekends; DBS check required.
Read the overview of this opportunity to understand what skills, including relevant soft skills and software package proficiencies, are required.
Nottingham £23,562 pro rata 30 hours per week
Fancy being the Jamie Oliver or Nigella Lawson of Watcombe Circus? Do you have experience leading and assisting kitchen and catering operations? Would you like to make a real difference in the community?
Here at NCHA we have a fantastic opportunity for the right person to join our friendly and supportive team as a Cook at Watcombe Circus.
The Service
Watcombe Circus is a registered care home which runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to support our service users. We provide person-centred care and support 11 service users with moderate learning disabilities, physical disabilities, communication needs and complex healthcare related needs.
The Role
In your position as a Cook, you will lead the day to day catering operation at the Care Home. You will be responsive and committed to providing the nutritional and preferred food choices of our resident group while adapting to the needs of the service.
The main duties and responsibilities of this role may include but are not limited to:
- Organising, planning and preparing appetising meals during the working day that meet the nutritional needs of the residents.
- Following Health and Safety monitoring and Food Safety regulations.
- Stock management, temperature monitoring, stack rotation, equipment management, and food ordering.
- Completion of required paperwork.
- Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
- Flexible and responsive to feedback from Residents.
- Support and guide the work of kitchen assistants, as well as other colleagues and volunteers who take on food service roles.
- Cook a wide range of cuisines to celebrate special events (religious festivals, birthdays, visitor days etc.).
What we are looking for
We would like to hear from you if you are a reliable person with excellent customer service and organisational skills, who has experience of delivering quality meals and drinks for large groups. Our ideal candidate is able to work safely in a highly active and demanding environment, whilst maintaining high levels of cleanliness and personal hygiene. You must be good with people and understand the importance of providing balanced and nutritional meals for their wellbeing.
All successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check; paid for by NCHA.
Working Hours
Watcombe Circus is a 24/7 hours service, open 365 days a year. Shifts include weekdays, weekends and bank holidays. The role will be done in 5 shifts over 7 days covering lunch and dinner service. Occasionally, you will be required to attend training at our Head Office, which is based in Clifton.
As an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident Employer, NCHA welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and disabled candidates. As part of our LGBT Allies Programme, we also welcome applications from members of the LGBT community and encourage inclusivity in the workplace.
Cook employer: Nottingham Community Housing Association Ltd
Contact Detail:
Nottingham Community Housing Association Ltd 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 residents in care homes. Understanding how to cater for various dietary restrictions and preferences will set you apart as a candidate who truly cares about the wellbeing of the service users.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your ability to work under pressure by sharing examples from previous roles where you successfully managed busy kitchen environments. Highlighting your experience in high-demand situations can demonstrate your readiness for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Emphasise your teamwork skills, especially in a kitchen setting. Mention any experience you have in leading or training kitchen assistants, as this will show that you can effectively manage and support a team.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of health and safety regulations in food preparation. Familiarity with these standards is crucial in a care home environment, so demonstrating your commitment to maintaining high hygiene standards will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the specific skills and responsibilities required for the Cook position. Highlight your experience in catering operations and your ability to meet the nutritional needs of residents.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience in cooking, food safety regulations, and customer service. Emphasise any previous roles where you led kitchen operations or worked with diverse dietary requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and community service. Mention your organisational skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment, as well as your commitment to maintaining high hygiene standards.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham Community Housing Association Ltd
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking experience in detail. Highlight specific cuisines you excel in and any special dietary requirements you've catered to, as this role requires a diverse range of meals.
✨Emphasise Your Organisational Abilities
Talk about your experience with meal planning, stock management, and maintaining hygiene standards. Mention any systems or software you’ve used to keep track of inventory and food safety regulations.
✨Demonstrate Your People Skills
Since this role involves working closely with residents and staff, share examples of how you've successfully communicated and collaborated with others in a kitchen environment. Highlight your ability to adapt to feedback.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, such as accommodating dietary restrictions or managing a busy service. Think through your responses in advance to show your problem-solving skills.
