At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals for residents, ensuring dietary needs are met.
- Company: Join MHA, a caring organisation dedicated to enhancing the lives of older people.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, a strong pension scheme, and flexible leave options.
- Other info: Supportive culture with ongoing training and clear development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through quality food and service.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking and knowledge of food safety principles preferred.
The predicted salary is between 15 - 15 £ per hour.
Location: Callin Court, Chester
Hours: Permanent - Part Time - 30 hours per week
Salary: £15.57 per hour
We are considering candidates who live within approximately 15 miles of the Scheme. If you live outside this area but would still find the commute manageable, please let us know.
About the Role
We are looking for a skilled and motivated Chef to join our catering team at MHA. This is a rewarding role where you will play a vital part in supporting residents’ health, wellbeing and enjoyment of daily life through high‑quality, nutritious meals. As a Chef, you will be responsible for preparing and serving meals that meet residents’ dietary and nutritional needs, while respecting individual choice, dignity and cultural preferences. You will help maintain a safe, efficient and welcoming kitchen environment, in line with food safety legislation and MHA values.
What You Will Do
- Prepare, cook and serve nutritious meals for residents, visitors and staff, including catering for occasional events.
- Plan menus with the Home Manager to ensure meals are balanced, appealing and meet individual dietary needs, including those of residents living with dementia.
- Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety and HACCP requirements, maintaining accurate records and audits.
- Manage food stocks and ordering, ensuring cost‑effectiveness and adherence to agreed budgets.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all kitchen and food storage areas.
- Supervise and support kitchen assistants and oversee others using the kitchen.
- Assist with the induction and training of new kitchen staff.
- Attend staff and resident meetings where appropriate.
About You
We’re looking for someone who is organised, reliable and passionate about delivering good‑quality food and service for older people.
You Will Bring
- Previous experience cooking in a care, hospitality, restaurant or pub environment.
- Knowledge and understanding of food safety and HACCP principles.
- The ability to work well as part of a team and communicate clearly with colleagues.
- A flexible approach to work and willingness to work a 7‑day rota.
- Sensitivity to the needs of older people and a commitment to quality and customer‑focused service.
- Willingness to undertake further training and development as required.
- Relevant catering qualifications (e.g. City & Guilds, NVQ Level 2, or equivalent) are desirable but not essential.
Why Join MHA?
You will be joining an organisation with strong values, a supportive culture and a genuine commitment to helping people live later life well. At MHA, catering plays a central role in residents’ wellbeing, and your contribution will be valued and recognised.
Rewards and Benefits
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) and the ability to buy annual leave (pro‑rota for part time).
- A strong pension scheme and life assurance.
- Free DBS checks and uniforms (where applicable).
- Confidential counselling, chaplaincy support and access to our hardship fund.
- Flexible options to buy or sell annual leave, plus family‑friendly policies.
- Discounts through the Blue Light Card, Health Service Discounts and the Vivup app.
- A full induction, ongoing training and clear development opportunities.
- Long‑service awards to celebrate your contribution.
Care Home Kitchen Chef – Nutritious Meals, Part-Time (30h) in Chester employer: Whats On In Chester
MHA is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing of its staff and residents alike, fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture at Callin Court, Chester. As a Care Home Kitchen Chef, you will not only enjoy competitive pay and generous benefits, including 28 days holiday and a strong pension scheme, but also have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of older people through nutritious meal preparation. With a commitment to employee growth and development, MHA offers ongoing training and clear pathways for advancement, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care Home Kitchen Chef – Nutritious Meals, Part-Time (30h) in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen team before your interview! If you can, pop by the care home and chat with the staff. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and helps you understand their vibe.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get a chance, bring a sample of your cooking or suggest a menu idea that caters to the residents' needs. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for nutritious meals.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your experience with dietary needs, especially for older people. Share specific examples of how you've catered to different preferences or dietary restrictions in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to highlight your teamwork skills! Talk about how you’ve collaborated with others in the kitchen and how you can support new staff. We love a chef who can lead and inspire!
We think you need these skills to ace Care Home Kitchen Chef – Nutritious Meals, Part-Time (30h) in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you write your application, let us see your love for cooking and how it connects to the wellbeing of residents. Share any experiences that highlight your commitment to providing nutritious meals and making a difference in people's lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your previous experience in care or hospitality settings, and how it aligns with our values at MHA.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, ensuring we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for our kitchen team.
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 rewarding role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Whats On In Chester
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the dietary needs and preferences of older people, especially those living with dementia. Be ready to discuss how you would create balanced and appealing menus that cater to individual tastes and nutritional requirements.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your previous roles in care, hospitality, or restaurants where you successfully managed food safety and hygiene. Highlight any specific instances where you improved meal quality or adapted menus based on feedback.
✨Team Player Vibes
Emphasise your ability to work well within a team. Share experiences where you’ve collaborated with others in a kitchen setting, supervised staff, or trained new team members. This shows you’re not just a great chef but also a supportive colleague.
✨Passion for Quality Service
Express your commitment to delivering high-quality food and service. Discuss why you believe nutritious meals are vital for residents' wellbeing and how you can contribute to their enjoyment of daily life through your cooking.
