Cornerstone Healthcare is looking for an experienced and passionate Second Chef to join our award-winning team at Kitnocks House on a 12-month Fixed-term contract.
Kitnocks House, is a 63-bed service providing high quality care across 4 specialised units supporting residents with varying complex care as well as providing a comfortable and safe living environment. Our approach focuses on individualised care, considering the whole person and their unique challenges, rather than just the diagnosis. We are currently rated Overall Good with CQC.
PLEASE NOTE - We are NOT offering Sponsorship and are unable to take overseas applications at this time.
What do you need?
- Minimum 1 years’ experience working as a Chef in a Care Home
- Understanding of COSHH, Food Hygiene and Regulations surrounding food safety
- IDDSI/Specialist diet provision experience (essential)
- Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices
- Ability to support the Head Chef in menu planning, food preparation, and ensuring high-quality standards are met.
- A high level of written and spoken English to communicate effectively with kitchen staff and other departments.
- Strong leadership and organisational skills to manage kitchen staff and ensure smooth daily operations.
- A creative approach to food preparation, menu development, and presentation.
- Ability to manage inventory, control costs, and ensure that kitchen operations run efficiently.
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing needs and special dietary requirements.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail and consistency.
- A proactive, positive attitude with a commitment to delivering excellent service in a care setting.
What hours will you work?
Working for us gives you more time for you with a 7 out of 14 day working pattern
Week A – 3 days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (06.45 to 17.15)
Week B – 4 days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday (06:45 to 17.15)
Total average of 42 hours worked per week
What will you be doing?
- Working closely alongside the Head Chef and kitchen staff to plan and prepare nutritious meals for residents
- Ensure food is prepared in line with IDDSI guidelines and meets the requirements of the residents as identified by the clinical team
- In the absence of the Head Chef visit all new residents and/or liaise with the Nurse to ensure all new admissions dietary needs are known
- Listen to feedback from staff, resident and relatives about the food choices and quality and implement changes based on this
- Ensure all working practice and the kitchen management is operating in line with Health & Safety, Infection Prevention & Control, Food Hygiene Standards and COSHH
- Represent the home in in the absence of the Head Chef for any unannounced inspections such as Environmental Health Inspections and then share any actions or improvement arising from this with the Head Chef.
- Ensure food prepared and served looks appetizing and appealing and care and attention is taken by all that serve this
- In the absence of the Head Chef visit all new residents and/or liaise with the Nurse to ensure all new admissions dietary needs are known.
- Ensure the kitchen is kept to a high standard of cleanliness, ensuring opening and close down procedures are followed and recorded.
- Participate in statutory/mandatory, personal training, development, appraisal, and attend all relevant training courses as required.
- To carry out any other reasonable and relevant duties as required.
Benefits package worth up to £5,000
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- Enhanced pay rates for overtime and bank holidays
- Pension scheme
- Subsidised lunch available daily
- Enhanced DBS fully covered by us and automatically added to the update service
- Free uniform laundered for you on site ready for your next shift
- Monthly overtime raffle – receive a ticket for each overtime shift completed and the winner will receive an additional £200 in their pay packet
- Specialist training, beyond the mandatory training requirements
- Paid for e-learning training
- Reward and recognition through vouchers and cash incentives for Christmas and long service
- Refer a friend scheme – up to £1,000 (depending on role)
- Paid for company events
- Cycle to work scheme
- Healthcare cash plan worth up to £700* including dentistry, optical plus access to a 24/7 employee assistance programme offering psychological support to staff to avoid stress and burn out, meaning everyone is able to focus on caring for our residents
- Access to Blue Light card - over 13,000 discounts