Care Home Cook

location - South Cerney, Cirencester (GL7) Key Responsibilities: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. TPBN1_UKTJ