At a Glance
- Tasks: Cook delicious meals for residents and support their wellbeing in a friendly environment.
- Company: Thurrock Council, dedicated to providing quality care and support.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while honing your cooking skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking for large groups and a caring attitude.
The predicted salary is between 13.76 - 13.76 £ per hour.
Location: Piggs Corner Complex, Cromwell Road or Collins House Residential Home
Grade: B
Salary: £13.76 per hour
Hours: Casual Contract - 0 hrs on and As & When Required Basis
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Provider Bank Service within Thurrock. This is an opportunity for the successful candidate to assist with cooking meals for the residents of our care home in Corringham, residents of our Extra Care facility in Grays and members of our Friendship Club in Grays. You will be required to cover absence at both sites when you are available.
You will need to have previous experience of cooking for a large amount of people and being part of a great team in a busy kitchen. The successful candidate will be flexible and able to work as part of a team and also to be able to work with a minimum amount of supervision and use their own initiative within established procedures and processes to deliver a high quality service to our Clients with a person centred approach in line with the Care Act and Current Legislation within Adult Social Care.
You will be required to attend mandatory training in areas that are relevant to the role. Shadowing will also be provided. You will encourage, motivate, and support Clients while ensuring their safety and welfare in their homes when providing them with their meals. Core values include individuality, independence, choice, dignity, respect, rights, confidentiality and fulfilment, which guarantees Clients receive a high standard of service.
What We Are Looking For
The successful candidate will need to have a flexible approach to working hours and be able to travel borough wide. Candidates will need to have good values and continually promote service user choice and control, fulfilment, respect, privacy, dignity, rights and independence. The post holders will need to be kind, compassionate, caring, flexible and committed. The successful candidate will need to have a professional attitude at all times and have knowledge around the understanding of Dementia, Challenging behaviours and Manual Handling – training also provided.
DBS Check: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for Adults is required at Enhanced plus barred list level.
Benefits of Working with Us
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Staff discounts and local offers
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
The Council supports the Covid-19 vaccination programme and encourages staff delivering front-line care services to take up the offer of double vaccination.
Important Dates
Closing Date (Internal & External): 16th August 2026
Interview Date: To Be Confirmed
Additional Information
If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact: Kayleigh Arthurton Karthurton@thurrock.gov.uk
To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below: Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
Application Requirements
As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management is required from when leaving full-time education for all Safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided (refer to the example document for guidance) and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application. Please provide a full history with explanations of any gaps and ensure you also upload a copy of your full CV. If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.
Casual Cook in Grays employer: Thurrock Council
Thurrock Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact local governance and community development. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will receive comprehensive support in your role as a Political Assistant, fostering both professional and personal development. The hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Cook in Grays
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Thurrock Council and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Cook in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Thurrock Council that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Thurrock Council.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Thurrock Council get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Thurrock Council and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
