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- Tasks: Prepare delicious, nutritious meals for elderly residents while supervising kitchen staff.
- Company: Join Swarthmore Care Home, a respected establishment with over 70 years of experience in elderly care.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, company pension, discounted meals, and on-site parking.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through food, in a supportive and caring environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a cook is essential; Level 2/3 Food Hygiene Certificate preferred but training available.
- Other info: Variable shifts available; full-time, part-time, and job share options considered.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Swarthmore Care Home is set in beautiful, landscaped gardens in the desirable village of Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, where there are many opportunities for residents to enjoy a variety of cultural and leisure pursuits. The care home provides respite, convalescent, and palliative care to residents aged from 65, and to those living with a physical disability or sensory impairment. We are an independent 40-bedded Care Home, established for over 70 years, and we pride ourselves on providing a safe and homely environment where the unique needs of each individual are recognised.
We are looking for a passionate and experienced Second Chef with a genuine interest in the care and nutrition of the elderly to become part of our team. You will deliver delicious home-cooked, varied, and nutritional meals under the guidance of our Chef Manager. You will be confident devising dishes for special dietary requirements while meeting all nutritional needs, including soft and pureed foods, and have knowledge of IDDSI guidelines (The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative). Training can be provided.
You will be preparing meals, following a 4-week rolling menu, assisting our Chef Manager to create and evolve the food offered in our home, producing the highest standards, and ensuring food is delicious, seasonal, and cost-effective. You will work with and supervise the Kitchen Assistants, ensuring that the team maintains a clean environment in line with regulations and compliance, including Fire and Health & Safety. You will follow food health & safety procedures and have experience of cooking and storing food accordingly, in line with the Environmental Health Regulations. Level 2/3 Food Hygiene Certificate required – Training can be provided.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
- Expected hours: No less than 40 per week.
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Contact Wendy Toft on 01753 885663 or email admin@swarthmorecarehome.org.uk
Second Chef employer: Swarthmore Care Home
Contact Detail:
Swarthmore Care Home Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Second Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs of the elderly, especially regarding soft and pureed foods. Understanding IDDSI guidelines will show your commitment to providing quality care and nutrition.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in creating varied menus that cater to special dietary requirements. This will demonstrate your ability to adapt and innovate in a kitchen setting.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experience supervising kitchen staff or working as part of a team. Emphasising your ability to maintain a clean and compliant kitchen environment is crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Swarthmore Care Home and its values. Being able to articulate why you want to work there and how you align with their mission will make you stand out as a passionate candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Second Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in cooking, especially in care settings. Emphasise any roles where you prepared meals for special dietary requirements or worked with elderly individuals.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for nutrition and care for the elderly. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to create varied and nutritional meals, and your understanding of IDDSI guidelines.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Include any relevant qualifications such as your Level 2/3 Food Hygiene Certificate. If you have completed any training related to dietary needs or food safety, be sure to mention it.
Showcase Teamwork Skills: Since the role involves supervising Kitchen Assistants, highlight your teamwork and leadership skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment and maintained high standards in food preparation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Swarthmore Care Home
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your genuine interest in cooking, especially for the elderly. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your passion for creating nutritious and delicious meals tailored to specific dietary needs.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Dietary Requirements
Familiarise yourself with IDDSI guidelines and be prepared to discuss how you would cater to various dietary restrictions. This shows that you understand the importance of nutrition in care settings and can adapt your cooking accordingly.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
As a Second Chef, you'll be supervising Kitchen Assistants. Be ready to talk about your experience working in a team, how you motivate others, and ensure a clean and compliant kitchen environment. This will demonstrate your leadership potential.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewer
Think of insightful questions to ask about the care home’s approach to nutrition and meal planning. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and work style.
