At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious meals for residents and cater to their nutritional needs.
- Company: Join a leading not-for-profit care provider dedicated to quality care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 28 days holiday, and discounts on shopping and outings.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team in a modern, homely environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of elderly residents while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 29000 £ per year.
We’re one of the largest not for profit care providers in the UK, specialising in providing high quality, person-centred care for older people, in care homes and extra care housing nationwide. At OSJCT we care about our residents and we care about each other. That means you’ll enjoy great career development working for an expanding organisation. Because we’re a not for profit trust, we invest every penny we make in the people who live in our homes and the people who work here too. This means better quality care and lovely homes for our residents, along with competitive wages and great training and development for our people.
We provide outstanding care, working closely with leading experts on dementia and elderly care. And we’re currently modernising our portfolio of care homes – refurbishing our existing homes and moving into new, inspiring, contemporary care homes too. As we expand nationwide, we need more people with the right mix of skills, passion and ambition to help us grow even more.
Spencer Court offers residential care for 46 residents, situated close to the centre of the charming Oxfordshire town of Woodstock. This modern home, designed with comfort and wellbeing in mind, exudes a homely atmosphere.
Location: Spencer Court Care Home, Woodstock, OX20 1JG
Pay rate: £13.78 per hour (NVQ and weekend enhancements available)
Contracted hours: 16 hours per week
ABOUT THE ROLE
Are you an experienced catering assistant, commis chef or cook that takes pride in your work? Are you looking for your next challenge without split shifts and anti-social hours? We’re currently recruiting for a Cook to join our passionate, hard-working and friendly catering team, to create delicious meals for our residents. Nutrition is an important element of the care package that we provide. You’ll be actively involved in the nutritional needs of our residents, to ensure that a high-quality dining experience is received by everyone. You’ll get to know our residents and their families so that you’ll be motivated to understand and accommodate their personal preferences. Some weekend work will be required.
In joining us, you’ll also become part of our extended family. You’ll work alongside other team members who are passionate about providing care, warmth and kindness to all those who live and work in our homes.
AND IN RETURN
The Trust is a great place to work; we’ve been providing care for almost 1,000 years and we’re currently the second largest not-for-profit provider in the UK. Not-for-profit means that we reinvest every penny we make into our residents, colleagues and the care homes we live and work in. Therefore, we offer a great range of benefits, including a competitive salary, training and development. Here are some of the other benefits you’ll enjoy as a valued member of our team:
- 28 days holiday (including Bank Holidays)
- Free uniform
- Free DBS
- Higher rates of pay at weekends
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Refer a Friend scheme rewarding you up to £1000 for every recommendation you make who successfully starts working for us
- Blue Light Card and “My Rewards” programme, offering you discounts on shopping, days out, restaurants and much more
ABOUT YOU
You’ll need to have previous experience of working in a professional kitchen and catering for specialist diets, providing meals for large groups of people, alongside a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate. Ideally you’ll also be working towards a Level 2 Diploma in Food Production and Cooking or equivalent but this is not essential. You’ll be confident in engaging with our elderly residents to understand their individual needs and enjoy being part of the wider team in the home. If you think you have the right skills and attitude we’re looking for as a Cook within our care homes, then you could be the next to join us. So, apply and get your career started with us today.
Cook employer: Orders of St. John Care Trust
At OSJCT, we pride ourselves on being one of the largest not-for-profit care providers in the UK, dedicated to delivering high-quality, person-centred care for older people. Working at Spencer Court in Woodstock means joining a supportive and passionate team where your contributions are valued, and you can enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive training, and opportunities for career development in a modern, homely environment. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing and a commitment to reinvesting in our staff and residents, OSJCT is an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work in the care sector.
Contact Details:
Orders of St. John Care Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on OSJCT. Understand their values and how they care for residents. This will help you connect with them during the chat and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about common interview questions for cooks and rehearse your answers. Focus on your experience in catering for special diets and how you can create delicious meals for the residents. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, share stories about why you love cooking and how you enjoy making a difference in people's lives through food. This will resonate well with OSJCT's mission of providing high-quality care.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t forget to follow up after your application – a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Care:When writing your application, let us see your passion for providing care. Share any experiences that highlight your commitment to creating a warm and welcoming environment for residents.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your previous kitchen experience, especially if you've catered for large groups or special diets. We want to know how your skills can contribute to our team!
Personal Touch Matters:Don’t be afraid to add a personal touch to your application. Mention why you’re drawn to working with the elderly and how you can make their dining experience special.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on board with our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orders of St. John Care Trust
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of nutrition and dietary needs, especially for elderly residents. Be ready to discuss how you can cater to specific diets and preferences, as this is crucial in providing high-quality care.
✨Show Your Passion for Care
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working in a care environment. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to providing warmth and kindness, which aligns with the values of the organisation.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work well within a team. Discuss past experiences where you collaborated with others in a kitchen setting, showcasing your communication skills and how you contribute to a positive work atmosphere.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they support staff in understanding residents' needs. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
