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- Tasks: Join our team as a Chef, preparing nutritious meals for residents in a caring environment.
- Company: Outlook Care has over 30 years of experience providing specialist care services across London and Essex.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive salary, 28 days leave, and access to early pay.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive and friendly team.
- Qualifications: Must have level 1 food processing qualification and level 3 H&S & Food Hygiene certification.
- Other info: Work 25 hours per week with opportunities for training and development.
About Outlook Care:
Outlook Care is a specialist provider of learning disability services across London and Essex. We also specialise in dementia, elderly care, end of life and mental health. Outlook Care started in 1990 and has now been running for over 30 years. We pride ourselves on our strong values:
- Listen - always with interest, concern and action
- Inspire - through every interaction so people can achieve their ambitions
- Kind - genuine care and compassion
- Excellence - by striving to be the best we can
- Integrity - acting ethically and being accountable
- Trusting - rely upon us to do what we say we will do
Benefits at Outlook Care:
We understand how important our employees are and to support you in making a difference to people's lives, we have a fantastic range of benefits:
- Flexible hours & a competitive salary
- 28 days of annual leave increasing with length of service (inc bank holidays)
- Preferential dental / health contributory rates
- Comprehensive induction / training & development opportunities
- Reward Opportunities including Refer a Friend
- Empathy/ wellbeing program
- Sick leave / maternity & paternity
- Disability friendly
- Early Pay - access to your pay before payday
- Workplace pension through NEST or option to join SHPS Pension membership including life assurance
About you:
- Have a minimum level 1 food processing qualification
- Level 3 H&S & Food Hygiene certified
- Experience of managing a successful catering operation
- Manual handling
- First Aid
- Health and safety, including environmental health and fire safety requirements in a health or care home setting
- SOVAGDPR
- Infection Control and understanding of COSHH
- An understanding of the specialist needs of the client
Job Role:
We are looking for a Chef to join our team of catering staff at our 69-bed specialist nursing care and dementia home situated close to Colchester town centre. We take pride in preparing appealing, nutritious, varied and well-balanced meals, which centre around our residents' preferences, requests and special dietary requirements. We are looking for someone with good communication skills to work flexibly as part of a small team in order to meet the needs of the service with the ability to work at weekends. You should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the home environment for our residents and engage with residents sensitively and with dignity. The job entails working 25 hours per week including rostered weekends and bank holidays and we offer a competitive salary and benefits package alongside opportunities for training and development.
The Service:
Foxburrow Grange is a 69 bed home with state-of-the-art facilities with an outstanding and friendly team of dedicated staff. The home has been delivering person-centred care for 30 years, is within easy reach of major transport links and close to Colchester town centre. The home comprises of four wings. On the ground floor are 32 bedrooms for residents with dementia, with a further 37 rooms on the first floor for people in need of nursing and/or dementia care.
Important Information:
This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure. We strongly recommend you are vaccinated against Covid-19. Right to work documentation will need to be provided. Certificate of sponsorship is unavailable at this time (Skilled worker route).
Chef - Colchester employer: Outlook Care
Contact Detail:
Outlook Care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef - Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs and preferences of residents in care homes. Understanding how to cater for various dietary restrictions will show your commitment to providing excellent service.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in managing a catering operation, especially in a health or care home setting. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure food safety and hygiene standards are met.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your communication skills by preparing examples of how you've worked effectively within a team. Being able to engage with residents sensitively is crucial, so think of instances where you've done this.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Outlook Care's values and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Showing that you resonate with their mission can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef - Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the specific requirements and responsibilities of the Chef position at Outlook Care. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with their needs.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to emphasise your food processing qualifications, health and safety certifications, and any relevant experience in catering operations. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Showcase Soft Skills: In your application, mention your communication skills and ability to work as part of a team. Provide examples of how you've engaged with clients or residents in previous roles, especially in a care setting.
Personalise Your Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that reflects your passion for cooking and caring for others. Mention why you want to work at Outlook Care specifically and how you can contribute to their values of kindness and excellence.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outlook Care
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in catering and any specific dishes you excel at. Bring along a portfolio of your work or even photos of meals you've prepared to demonstrate your skills.
✨Understand the Clientele
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs of residents in care homes, especially those with dementia or other health issues. Showing that you understand these requirements will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since you'll be working as part of a small team, be ready to discuss how you collaborate with others. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated with colleagues and residents in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Values
Outlook Care prides itself on values like kindness and integrity. Be sure to convey how your personal values align with theirs during the interview, providing examples of how you've embodied these traits in your work.
