Care Home Cook

location - South Cerney, Cirencester (GL7)
Key Responsibilities:

1. Meal Planning and Preparation:

   • Prepare and cook daily meals for residents, ensuring they are nutritious, well-balanced, and meet dietary requirements.
   • Plan menus in advance, incorporating seasonal ingredients and catering to any special dietary needs (e.g., diabetic, gluten-free, low-sodium).
   • Adjust menus as required to accommodate individual preferences or health needs of residents.

2. Dietary and Health Considerations:

   • Prepare meals in accordance with care plans for residents with specific dietary restrictions, allergies, or medical conditions.
   • Ensure portion control and appropriate nutritional content in every meal.

3. Food Safety and Hygiene:

   • Follow strict food hygiene standards, including maintaining a clean and sanitized kitchen at all times.
   • Adhere to food safety regulations, including correct storage, preparation, and serving of food.
   • Ensure proper waste disposal and food storage according to health and safety guidelines.

4. Communication and Coordination:

   • Liaise with care staff to understand the dietary needs and preferences of the residents.
   • Coordinate with other kitchen staff to ensure smooth meal service and timely food preparation.
   • Communicate effectively with residents, showing sensitivity to their individual needs and preferences.

5. Kitchen Management:

   • Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure it is in good working order.
   • Manage food supplies, placing orders and ensuring stock rotation to minimize waste.
   • Maintain accurate records of food stock, orders, and meals served.

6. Adapting to Special Occasions:

   • Prepare special meals or snacks for birthdays, holidays, or other events within the care home.
   • Ensure the kitchen is ready to handle last-minute dietary adjustments or meal requests.

7. Compliance with Policies:

   • Follow the care homes policies and procedures related to food preparation, health and safety, and hygiene.
   • Comply with relevant regulations such as the Food Safety Act and other government guidelines on food safety in care settings.

Skills and Competencies:

• Culinary Skills: Proficiency in preparing a variety of meals, including those tailored to special dietary needs.
• Knowledge of Nutrition: Understanding of basic nutrition, especially for elderly or vulnerable populations with specific health needs.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to follow dietary guidelines and prepare meals in accordance with care plans.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication with staff, residents, and healthcare professionals regarding dietary needs.
• Time Management: Ability to manage time effectively in a busy kitchen to ensure meals are prepared and served on schedule.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to handle last-minute changes or dietary adjustments.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Food Hygiene Certificate: Level 2 (or higher) Food Safety and Hygiene qualification is mandatory.
• Culinary Training: Relevant qualifications in catering or professional cooking are advantageous.
• Experience: Previous experience working as a cook in a care home or healthcare setting is preferred.
• DBS Check: A current Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is necessary for working in a care home.

Working Conditions:

• Environment: Work within the care homes kitchen, often preparing multiple meals at different times of the day (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
• Shifts: May involve working weekends, evenings, or public holidays depending on the care homes needs.
• Supervision: May work independently or as part of a small kitchen team, often reporting to a head chef, catering manager, or care home manager.

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Location: Cerney Wick, GB

Posted Date: 11/2/2024