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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare wholesome meals and support the wellbeing of our residents.
- Company: Join a family-owned care home dedicated to kindness and respect.
- Benefits: Earn £14.00 per hour, with bonuses and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of elderly residents through your cooking.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking; experience is a plus but not essential.
- Other info: Enjoy career growth, strong management support, and a friendly team environment.
Overview
Join SDR at South Downs Care as a Cook!
Location
Location: Downs & Stroud Houses, Petersfield
Compensation
- Salary: £14.00 per hour (annual review)
- Weekend Rate: £14.50 per hour
- Bonus: Discretionary Annual Bonus based on company success
- Hours: 32 hours per week
About Us
At South Downs Care, we’re dedicated to providing personalised, high-quality care in a safe, friendly environment where our residents can thrive. We operate two care homes, Downs House and Stroud House, nestled in the beautiful Hampshire countryside.
Being family-owned means our values aren’t just words; they shine through in how we support our teams and the people we care for. At SDR Care, we live by Kindness, Dignity & Respect, Calmness, Creativity, and Responsibility every single day.
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our team as a Cook at South Downs Care. While previous experience in a similar setting is an advantage, it is not essential. What matters most is your passion for preparing wholesome, nutritious meals and your commitment to maintaining and continually improving our high standards. As a valued member of our team, you will play an important role in supporting the wellbeing of our residents by preparing meals with care, as well as providing for our colleagues. You will work across both homes alongside the Chef Managers.
What We Offer
- Career Growth – Ongoing professional training & development
- Holidays – at least Equivalent to 29 days (including bank holidays, pro-rata)
- Pension Scheme – Available where eligible
- Structured Induction & Probation – Comprehensive onboarding support
- Strong Management Support – Guidance every step of the way
- Employee Referral Bonus – Earn £200 each, upon appointment and another £200 each, at the one-year anniversary (T\’s & C\’s apply)
- Easily Accessible Location – Petersfield is well-connected, with hourly train services from Waterlooville, Havant, and surrounding areas
Who We’re Looking For
- Someone who enjoys working and interacting with people
- Someone creative, resilient, and passionate about making a difference
- Someone sensitive to the needs of the elderly
Working Hours
Working hours are 32 hours per week with set shifts of Thursday to Sunday.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We use inclusive, gender-neutral language and focus on strengths, potential, and what matters most to the people we support; and our teams.
Apply Today!
If you are ready to step into a role where your skills, experience, and compassion will make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you!
Successful applicants will be required to complete an online Disclosure & Barring Service check (DBS) following acceptance of an offer.
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Cook | Elderly Care employer: SDR
Contact Detail:
SDR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook | Elderly Care
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on South Downs Care. Understand their values and how they support their residents. This will help you connect your passion for cooking with their mission during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When discussing your cooking style, share examples of how you've made meals special or adapted recipes for dietary needs. This will highlight your commitment to providing wholesome, nutritious meals for the elderly.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about teamwork! Since you'll be working alongside Chef Managers and other staff, think of examples where you've collaborated effectively in the kitchen. It’s all about showing that you can contribute to a positive environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a couple of thoughtful questions ready about the role or the team. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you figure out if it’s the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook | Elderly Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and caring for the elderly shine through. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight why this role matters to you.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values of South Downs Care. Mention how you embody kindness, dignity, and respect in your work, as these are key to our culture.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Cook position.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at South Downs Care!
How to prepare for a job interview at SDR
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you might be preparing for the elderly. Research nutritious recipes that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. This shows your passion for cooking and your commitment to their wellbeing.
✨Emphasise Your People Skills
Since this role involves interacting with residents and colleagues, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team or supported others. Highlight your ability to create a friendly atmosphere while maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to discuss how you can bring creativity to meal preparation. Think of ways to make meals appealing and enjoyable for the elderly, perhaps by presenting dishes in a fun way or incorporating seasonal ingredients.
✨Align with Their Values
South Downs Care values kindness, dignity, and respect. During the interview, reflect on these values and share personal experiences that demonstrate how you embody them in your work. This will resonate well with the interviewers and show you're a great fit for their team.
