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- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals while leading a supportive kitchen team.
- Company: Orchard Care Homes, where kitchens are the heart of our care homes.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, training opportunities, free uniform, and employee support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking and knowledge of dietary needs preferred.
- Other info: Join a caring community with excellent career growth and recognition schemes.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 17 £ per hour.
It’s true what they say, the kitchen is the heart of the home. At Orchard Care Homes, our kitchens are no different. They are at the centre of all our homes and provide delicious, and nutritious home cooked meals for everyone.
A talented Chef can bring to life a few ingredients that evoke memories of the past and bring warmth to an individual. Orchard Care Homes values its kitchen staff, and we reward colleagues with training, support and the freedom to cook up a storm. Working with the Home Manager and care staff, you will create nutritious and balanced meals that cater for the individual needs of those living in the home. You will supervise a dedicated team to prepare daily meals, manage the food orders, stock levels and maintenance of vital equipment. Following food safety guidelines, you will ensure the kitchen is fit for purpose and able to complete the daily meals on time. This is a vital role in all our homes.
Main Duties:
- To plan, prepare and cook a variety of meals which are appealing, nutritious and centre around the individuals’ preferences, requests or any special dietary requirements.
- To be active and encouraging, providing advice and guidance for the team ensuring the Care Home is a friendly, supportive working environment.
- To understand and comply with all statutory and legal requirements which are relevant such as HACCP, Health & Safety, COSHH, Environmental Health, all aspects of the Care Standards Act, and have a clear understanding of Infection Prevention and Control policies.
- Implement, monitor and maintain cleaning schedules that meet the requirements of the Food Safety Manual, ensuring that all areas of the kitchen are immaculately clean.
- Ensure sufficient food stocks are ordered and received from approved suppliers and that stock rotation is taking place to maintain optimum freshness of all foodstuffs.
- Engaging with residents in a friendly and kind manner, ensuring their dietary preferences and needs are met, and creating a positive dining experience for everyone.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of texture modified diets and food allergens.
- Knowledge of modified diets and creating specific meal plans to suit an individual’s needs.
Benefits:
- Access to Blue Light Discount Card.
- Excellent training and progression opportunities, from day one, with career pathways to enable you to grow and develop.
- Recognition schemes, such as ‘Making a Difference’ and an annual awards ceremony, recognising our dedicated staff team.
- Free Uniform and car parking.
- Access to our 24/7 Employee Support Hub offering confidential support on personal and professional issues.
About Lofthouse Grange & Lodge Care Home:
Located with easy links to Leeds and Wakefield, Lofthouse Grange & Lodge is a modern home specialising in the care of older people. Orchard Care Homes has been providing care for older people for over 15 years. We are committed to being at the heart of the local community and delivering the same level of care that we would all wish for our loved ones. We believe in investing in our people. Your professional development will be actively encouraged, with plenty of training and progression opportunities across our portfolio of homes.
Chef in Lofthouse employer: Orchard Care Homes
Contact Detail:
Orchard Care Homes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Lofthouse
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen culture at Orchard Care Homes! Before your interview, take a moment to research their values and what makes their kitchens special. This way, you can show off your passion for creating delicious meals that cater to individual needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just talk about your cooking skills; share some stories! Bring up specific experiences where you’ve created memorable meals or adapted recipes for dietary needs. This will help us see how you can bring warmth and creativity to our kitchens.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since you'll be supervising a dedicated team, highlight your leadership style and how you encourage a friendly, supportive environment. We love hearing about how you’ve motivated others in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to get your application noticed. Plus, if you have any questions or want to visit our kitchens, just reach out – we’re here to help!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Lofthouse
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you write your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see how you can bring warmth and creativity to our meals.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of Chef at Orchard Care Homes. Highlight your experience with nutritious meal preparation and any knowledge of dietary requirements. This will show us you're a perfect fit!
Keep It Professional Yet Friendly: While we love a casual vibe, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. A friendly tone will resonate with us, but clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get back to you quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Orchard Care Homes!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orchard Care Homes
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary knowledge, especially around nutrition and dietary requirements. Be ready to discuss how you can create meals that cater to individual preferences and special diets, as this is key for the role.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Orchard Care Homes values teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to encourage and support colleagues while maintaining a friendly working environment.
✨Understand Food Safety Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with food safety guidelines, HACCP, and health regulations. During the interview, demonstrate your knowledge of these standards and how you ensure compliance in the kitchen to maintain a safe and clean environment.
✨Engage with Passion
Show your enthusiasm for creating a positive dining experience for residents. Share stories about how you've engaged with customers or residents in previous roles, and how you believe food can evoke memories and warmth for individuals.
