At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals that bring joy to residents in a supportive kitchen environment.
- Company: Orchard Care Homes, dedicated to exceptional care and community spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, career development, discounts, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team with opportunities for growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking and knowledge of dietary needs preferred.
The predicted salary is between 14.83 - 14.83 £ per hour.
At Orchard Care Homes, our kitchens are at the centre of all our homes and provide delicious, and nutritious home cooked meals for everyone.
Location: Ashlea Lodge Care Home - Hylton Road, Millfield, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR4 7AB
Position: Care Home Chef – 28.5 hrs per week
Rates of Pay: £14.83 per hour
Introduction to the role: 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.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- 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, following Orchard Care Homes’ Good Food Guide and, where appropriate, make amendments after authorisation from the Support Centre.
- To be active and encouraging, provide 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 such as HACCP, Health & Safety, COSHH, Environmental Health, all aspects of the Care Standards Act, Infection Prevention and Control policies, procedures and measures to maintain a safe environment throughout the home.
- Implement, monitor, and maintain cleaning schedules that meet the requirements of the Food Safety Manual, and ensure all areas of the kitchen are immaculately clean, including washing up pots, pans and dishes when required.
- 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, ensuring the highest quality expected within Orchard Care Home.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of texture-modified diets and food allergens.
- Knowledge of modified diets and creating specific meal plans to suit an individual’s needs.
Everything You’ll Love:
- Career development from day one, with clear progression pathways.
- Hundreds of colleague discounts every month across shopping, holidays, dining, tech, and more.
- Excellent employee recognition schemes such as "Making a Difference" award and Long Service Awards.
- Free emotional, practical, and financial support that’s fully confidential, through an Employee Assistance Programme helpline and wellbeing app that’s available 24/7, all year round.
- Company-supported pension scheme to invest in your future.
- Fully funded DBS check.
About Orchard Care Homes: Within close proximity of the vibrant city of Sunderland and all that it has to offer, Ashlea Lodge is a modern home with two floors that provides specialist care for older people, many of whom are living with dementia. 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. We proudly support the Armed Forces community and welcome applications from veterans, reservists, and military spouses as part of our commitment to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We value the unique skills and experiences that service personnel bring and are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
Chef in Sunderland employer: Orchard Care Homes
Orchard Care Homes is an exceptional employer that places great value on its kitchen staff, offering a supportive and friendly work environment at Ashlea Lodge in Sunderland. With a strong focus on employee development, you will benefit from clear career progression pathways, extensive training opportunities, and a range of employee recognition schemes. Additionally, the company provides generous discounts, a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, and a commitment to inclusivity, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about delivering high-quality care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Sunderland
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Orchard Care Homes. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Orchard Care Homes
Don't be shy about reaching out to Orchard Care Homes directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Orchard Care Homes and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orchard Care Homes
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
