At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our kitchen team to prepare meals for young residents and support daily kitchen operations.
- Company: Clare Lodge provides essential welfare placements for young people facing complex challenges.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25+ days of annual leave, sick pay, pension schemes, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your culinary skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Food Hygiene and NVQ or equivalent in Catering required; catering experience preferred.
- Other info: Flexible shifts include weekends and bank holidays; training provided for a secure working environment.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 Β£ per year.
Part-time Cook / Kitchen Team Member (0.77 FTE)
Β£24,796 β Β£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\βs 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 β 31.5 hours
Week 2 β 25.5 hours
Cook Days β Weekdays 8 a.m. β 5 p. m., Saturday 08.30 β 5 p.m., Sunday 9 β 4 p.m.
Kitchen Team Member β Weekdays 9.30 β 06.30 p.m., Saturday 08.30 β 5 p.m., Sunday 10.00 β 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 isa leading national provider of all female \βwelfare\β 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 orequivalent in Catering
- Ability & flexible to undertakeadditional hours / shift swaps to cover for colleagues planned annual leave / able to respond to cover sickness.
- Able towork on their and own and as part of a team.
- Cook experience and have a general all-round catering background.
- Ability totake responsibility for the kitchen environment and the kitchen assistant on Cook days.
- Take responsibility for stock levels and ordering within PCC guidelines.
- Receive and checkdeliveries, reporting and taking action to limit the impact of discrepancies.
- Operatekitchen equipment, waste management, health and safety, hygiene & Food Allergen Regs.
Thesuccessful 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 pccrecruitment@peterborough.gov.uk 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.
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Assistant Cook employer: Peterborough City Council
Contact Detail:
Peterborough City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Assistant Cook
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs of young people, especially those aged 12 to 17. Understanding how to create healthy and varied menus that cater to their preferences will show your commitment to the role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in a similar kitchen environment, particularly in catering for large groups. Being able to demonstrate your ability to manage multiple covers efficiently will set you apart from other candidates.
β¨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding working hours. Since the role requires covering shifts and weekends, showing your willingness to adapt will make you a more attractive candidate.
β¨Tip Number 4
Research Clare Lodge and its mission. Understanding the environment you'll be working in, especially the importance of safeguarding and supporting vulnerable young people, will help you convey your passion for the role during any interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cook
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in catering and kitchen operations. Emphasise any qualifications like Level 2 Food Hygiene and NVQ in Catering, as well as your ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and your understanding of the responsibilities involved. Mention your flexibility regarding hours and shifts, and how you can contribute to a healthy diet for young residents.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, detail any previous roles in catering or food preparation. Include specific examples of how you've managed kitchen environments, adhered to health and safety regulations, and worked with diverse teams.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Peterborough City Council
β¨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 drives you to create healthy meals, especially for young people.
β¨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 your colleagues.
β¨Highlight Relevant Qualifications
Ensure you mention your Level 2 Food Hygiene certification and any other relevant qualifications or training. This shows that you are knowledgeable about safety regulations and committed to maintaining a safe kitchen environment.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role, such as handling dietary restrictions or managing stock levels. Be ready to explain how you would approach these situations, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and attention to detail.