At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals for young people and staff in a dynamic kitchen team.
- Company: Join South Gloucestershire Council, dedicated to making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, employee wellbeing support, and staff discounts on various services.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for training and career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on young lives while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in catering or willingness to obtain; kitchen experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 β¬ per year.
How you'll make a difference
Working as part of our dynamic kitchen team, you will contribute by providing quality, nutritious meals for our young people and colleagues. Vinney Green Secure Childrens Home offers young people a safe and caring environment where they experience quality care, education, and gain vocational and life skills training.
What you will be doing
- Daily, you will prepare and serve meals to young people and staff, ensuring a varied menu.
- Liaising with contractors and suppliers, you will order supplies, monitor stock, and maintain accurate records.
- Working with the kitchen team, you will assist with routine cleaning tasks, ensuring hygiene, health, and safety in the kitchen are maintained.
- You will report any concerns regarding the eating habits of young people to the Facilities Manager.
What we need from you
- We require you to hold an NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in catering/food preparation or be willing to undertake this qualification.
- You must have experience of working in a kitchen or similar environment.
- It is essential you have knowledge of health and safety issues, food hygiene legislation, and specialist diets.
- You will have experience of cooking for large groups of people, with an ability to carry out required duties within specified timescales.
- You may already have a Food Hygiene Certificate.
What you need to know
- The working pattern for this role is flexible and you will be working shifts, weekends, and bank holidays.
- Annual leave must be taken in conjunction with the needs of the secure service.
- The salary is plus a Secure Home allowance of 2,903.04 per annum, pro-rated to hours worked.
- Young people can present physically threatening behaviour, and the environment can become tense and anxiety provoking.
- For everyone's safety, surveillance cameras are in use in most areas of the building.
- Vinney Green operates a full non-smoking environment, and there is no provision to facilitate smoking anywhere on site.
- Staff's personal belongings are required to be left in a provided locker on entry into the building and we may require you to undertake a further physical fitness check.
- Please note that due to the nature of this role it is a requirement of employment that an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is obtained for this post.
Interviews will be on a date to be confirmed.
How a career at South Gloucestershire Council is different
As part of our benefits package, you will receive generous annual leave (pro rata), employee wellbeing support and you will have access to a range of staff discounts, including eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities. We recognise that our diverse team of skilled and dedicated people make us a great place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and developed on the basis of their merits and abilities. We invest in the careers of our people, and we are recognised for the quality, breadth and depth of our training and development offer, which helps our people make the greatest long-term difference in their work. What's special here is the strength of the team ethos, the support and the training. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Ensuring all our staff are given the right skills, knowledge and support to recognise and respond effectively to potential abuse or neglect.
Our teams at South Gloucestershire Council are making a real difference to the lives of people who live, work and learn here. We're building and shaping communities which people are proud of. We're working with the most vulnerable in our community to help them achieve what they want in life. We're investing in our schools to ensure every child and young person in South Gloucestershire achieves their full potential. We've achieved a great deal, but we need talented and dedicated people to ensure we continue to make a difference. We're making a difference, be part of it!
Cook - VGSU - Emersons Green employer: South Gloucestershire Council
At South Gloucestershire Council, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and invests in employee development. As a Cook at Vinney Green Secure Children's Home, you will not only prepare nutritious meals for young people but also be part of a dedicated team making a meaningful impact in the community. With generous annual leave, wellbeing support, and a commitment to safeguarding, we ensure our staff have the skills and resources needed to thrive in their roles.
Contact Detail:
South Gloucestershire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Adviceπ€«
We think this is how you could land Cook - VGSU - Emersons Green
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen team and the environment before your interview. If you can, visit the site or chat with current staff to understand the vibe and what they value in a colleague. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested.
β¨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills and be ready to showcase them! You might be asked to prepare a dish during the interview, so think about what you can whip up that highlights your ability to cater for large groups while keeping it nutritious and varied.
β¨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene and health and safety regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you take the role seriously and are prepared to maintain a safe kitchen environment.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Donβt forget to highlight your experience with special diets and working under pressure!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook - VGSU - Emersons Green
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for preparing nutritious meals, especially for young people. We want to see how you can contribute to our kitchen team!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your previous kitchen experience and any qualifications you have, like your NVQ Level 2 or Food Hygiene Certificate. Weβre looking for candidates who can handle the hustle of a busy kitchen, so donβt hold back on showcasing your skills!
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this role involves flexible shifts, weekends, and bank holidays, itβs important to mention your availability in your application. We appreciate candidates who are ready to adapt to the needs of our secure service!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. Itβs the best way for us to receive your details and get you started on your journey with us at Vinney Green!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Gloucestershire Council
β¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene legislation and health and safety issues. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this in previous roles, especially when cooking for large groups.
β¨Show Your Passion for Cooking
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for providing nutritious meals and how you can contribute to a varied menu. Share any creative ideas you have for meals that cater to different dietary needs.
β¨Team Player Mindset
Emphasise your ability to work well within a team. Talk about your experience collaborating with kitchen staff and suppliers, and how you handle routine cleaning tasks while maintaining a positive atmosphere.
β¨Be Prepared for Scenarios
Think about potential challenges you might face in a secure environment, such as managing stressful situations or addressing concerns about young people's eating habits. Prepare examples of how you've handled similar situations in the past.