At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare healthy meals and engage with young people during mealtimes.
- Company: Join West Berkshire Council, making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Generous leave, local discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours, training opportunities, and a friendly team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of children with special needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchens, food hygiene certification, and teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 981 - 1207 £ per month.
Are you passionate about providing nutritious meals and supporting young people with special educational needs? We are looking for a dedicated Cook to join our team at Castle Gate, a short break service for children and young people with disabilities.
What You'll Do
- Prepare healthy, nutritious, and well-presented meals daily for up to 12 people.
- Plan and manage weekly menus, considering dietary requirements and cultural preferences.
- Maintain hygiene standards and manage all kitchen documentation (including food safety records and cleaning schedules).
- Promote healthy eating and support young people's learning by interacting at mealtimes and engaging with initiatives like our vegetable patch.
What We're Looking For
- Experience working in a non-domestic kitchen environment.
- A Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (essential).
- Proven ability to manage food ordering and budgeting.
- Experience catering for a variety of dietary needs.
- Strong understanding of food hygiene, health and safety, and safeguarding procedures.
- Excellent time management, communication, and teamwork skills.
What We Offer
- A supportive and friendly working environment.
- The opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities.
- Generous Local Government pension scheme.
- Family friendly policies.
- A range of local discounts.
- Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits.
- You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 27 days per annum (plus public holidays), rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years of service.
Additional Requirements
- Enhanced DBS check with relevant barred lists.
Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 15:00 - 18:00. Join us at West Berkshire Council and make a positive impact in our community while advancing your career.
Equal Opportunities
The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
How To Apply
Please now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV. This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Cook (Castle Gate) - 02016 in Newbury employer: Westberks
At West Berkshire Council, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values the contributions of our staff in making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with disabilities. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through extensive training opportunities, while our generous benefits, including a Local Government pension scheme and a wellbeing programme, ensure a rewarding work-life balance. Join us at Castle Gate, where your culinary skills will not only nourish but also inspire young minds in a friendly and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook (Castle Gate) - 02016 in Newbury
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Westberks. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Westberks
Don't be shy about reaching out to Westberks directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook (Castle Gate) - 02016 in Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Westberks and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westberks
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
