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- Tasks: Join our kitchen team to cook and assist in daily operations for young residents.
- Company: Clare Lodge provides care for young people in need, focusing on welfare placements.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25+ days annual leave, discounts, flexible bank holidays, and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Food Hygiene and NVQ or equivalent in Catering required.
- Other info: Flexible hours with a fixed rota; training provided for a secure environment.
Part-time Cook / Kitchen Team Member (0.77 FTE)
Please read the information in this job post thoroughly to understand exactly what is expected of potential candidates.
£24,796 – £25,583 FTE
All about the Role
We are looking to recruit an energetic, enthusiastic part time cook/kitchen team member to work in our commercial kitchen at Clare Lodge Secure Children\’s Home. The position will require the successful candidate to follow pre planned menus for lunch and dinner. A minimum of 25+ covers per sitting for residents and their care workers. The menu is produced in accordance with the Homes Policy of consultation with residents and ensuring a healthy, varied diet for young people aged between 12 and 17 years.
Duties would include cooking a minimum of once a week (cook days) and assisting in day-to-day kitchen operations on the non-cook days (kitchen team member). The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate:
· Level 2 Food Hygiene and NVQ or equivalent in Catering
· Ability & flexible to undertake additional hours / shift swaps to cover for colleagues planned annual leave / able to respond to cover sickness.
· Able to work on their and own and as part of a team.
· Cook experience and have a general all-round catering background.
· Ability to take responsibility for the kitchen environment and the kitchen assistant on Cook days.
· Take responsibility for stock levels and ordering within PCC guidelines.
· Receive and check deliveries, reporting and taking action to limit the impact of discrepancies.
· Operate kitchen equipment, waste management, health and safety, hygiene & Food Allergen Regs.
The successful candidate will undertake training in relevant policies and procedures regarding the safety and security requirements for safe operation within a secure environment
Duties would include cooking a minimum of once a week (cook days) and assisting in day-to-day kitchen operations on the non-cook days (kitchen team member).
Working Hours: 28.5 hours over 2-week rota, on a 6-week fixed rota pattern.
Week 1 – 31.5 hours
Week 2 – 25.5 hours
Cook Days – Weekdays 8 a.m. – 5 p. m., Saturday 08.30 – 5 p.m., Sunday 9 – 4 p.m.
Kitchen Team Member – Weekdays 9.30 – 06.30 p.m., Saturday 08.30 – 5 p.m., Sunday 10.00 – 5 p.m.
Days will be worked on a rota system and include weekends and bank holidays as per shift pattern. An example of shift patterns can be found below.
All about Clare Lodge
Clare Lodge is a leading national provider of all female \”welfare\” placements (Children Act 1989. Section 25) for young people in the UK. The service is independent, not contracted to the Youth Justice Board and accepts referrals in respect of young people aged 10 to 17 years who are in need of care, programmes of intervention and protection. Typically, those placed have extensive histories of abuse and exploitation, poor attachments, and low self-esteem. Many of the young people have a range of health / mental needs and exhibit complex behaviours which may include running away, self-harm, exploitation, psycho-sexual difficulties, issues concerning drug and alcohol misuse, eating disorders, aggression and other challenging behaviours.
All about You
The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate:
Level 2 Food Hygiene and NVQ or equivalent in Catering
Ability & flexible to undertake additional hours / shift swaps to cover for colleagues planned annual leave / able to respond to cover sickness.
Able to work on their and own and as part of a team.
Cook experience and have a general all-round catering background.
Ability to take responsibility for the kitchen environment and the kitchen assistant on Cook days.
Take responsibility for stock levels and ordering within PCC guidelines.
Receive and check deliveries, reporting and taking action to limit the impact of discrepancies.
Operate kitchen equipment, waste management, health and safety, hygiene & Food Allergen Regs.
The successful candidate will undertake training in relevant policies and procedures regarding the safety, security requirements for safe operation within a secure environment.
All about our Benefits
We value our colleagues and have developed a number of benefits in addition to our generous annual leave starting at 25 days + bank holidays, sick pay and local government pension scheme…
Access to a range of benefits via Vivup, including in-store and online discounts as well as our Cycle to Work and Home & Electronics schemes
Buy up to 10 days additional annual leave (pro-rata)
Access to car lease scheme
Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances
Make Additional Voluntary Contributions (Shared Cost AVCs) to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings
Access to development opportunities including apprenticeships to support your personal and professional growth
Paid volunteering hours each year so you can make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day
Access to our equality, diversity and inclusion network
Opportunities to receive Employee Recognition Awards
All about our Commitments
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to fostering diversity, advancing equity, and building an inclusive workplace for everyone. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those from underrepresented groups, including disabled people, care leavers, and individuals from minority ethnic communities. Your unique perspectives and experiences are encouraged and valued and will play a vital role in our success.
We are committed to making our recruitment process as accessible as possible. If you are disabled and require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact (url removed) we will work with you to meet your needs.
Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment
Assistant Cook employer: Peterborough City Council
Contact Detail:
Peterborough City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs and preferences of young people aged 12 to 17. Understanding how to create healthy, varied menus that cater to this age group will show your commitment to their well-being.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your flexibility in working hours during the interview. Since the role requires covering for colleagues, demonstrating your willingness to adapt to different shifts can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with kitchen equipment and food safety regulations. Being able to confidently talk about your knowledge of health and safety practices will reassure the hiring team of your capability.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your teamwork skills by providing examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in a kitchen environment. This role requires both independence and teamwork, so emphasising your ability to balance both will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to grasp the specific requirements and responsibilities of the Assistant Cook position. Highlight your relevant experience in cooking and catering that aligns with the duties mentioned.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to mention your Level 2 Food Hygiene certification and any NVQ or equivalent qualifications in Catering. These are essential for the role, so place them prominently in your CV and cover letter.
Demonstrate Flexibility: Emphasise your ability to work flexible hours and cover shifts as needed. Provide examples from past experiences where you successfully adapted to changing schedules or took on additional responsibilities.
Highlight Teamwork Skills: Since the role requires working both independently and as part of a team, include specific instances where you collaborated effectively with others in a kitchen or similar environment. This will show your capability to contribute positively to the team at Clare Lodge.
How to prepare for a job interview at Peterborough City Council
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and working in a kitchen environment. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your love for food and how it can positively impact the lives of young people.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role requires working both independently and as part of a team, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlight your flexibility and willingness to support colleagues.
✨Highlight Relevant Qualifications
Ensure you mention your Level 2 Food Hygiene certification and any other relevant qualifications or experience in catering. Be ready to discuss how these qualifications will help you maintain high standards in the kitchen.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling specific situations, such as managing stock levels or dealing with discrepancies in deliveries. Think through potential scenarios and how you would respond, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
