Care Home Cook

Cook – Blenheim Care Home

£13.50 per hour | Permanent Position
Tuesday to Saturday | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Blenheim Care Home is looking for a reliable, friendly and enthusiastic Cook to join our team on a permanent basis.

Mealtimes are an important part of our residents' day, and we are looking for someone who takes pride in preparing nutritious, appetising and well-presented home-cooked meals, while ensuring each resident's individual dietary needs, preferences and choices are respected.

Previous experience working as a Cook, particularly within a care home or similar environment, is desirable but not essential. However, a good understanding of food hygiene, kitchen safety and dietary requirements is important.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook nutritious, varied and appetising meals for our residents.
• Follow planned menus while taking residents' individual preferences, cultural needs and dietary requirements into consideration.
• Cater safely for allergies, intolerances and specialist diets.
• Have knowledge and understanding of IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) and the safe preparation of texture-modified foods and thickened fluids.
• Understand the importance of preparing and presenting IDDSI meals correctly, including following the appropriate texture levels and testing methods where required.
• Follow residents' individual dietary guidance and ensure meals are prepared in accordance with their assessed needs.
• Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness.
• Follow HACCP procedures and all relevant food safety requirements.
• Complete and accurately record fridge and freezer temperature checks.
• Complete appropriate food temperature checks, including cooking, reheating and serving temperatures.
• Ensure all food is correctly labelled, dated, stored and rotated using FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures.
• Complete kitchen cleaning schedules and maintain a clean, safe and organised working environment.
• Monitor stock levels and assist with food ordering and stock rotation.
• Follow COSHH, infection prevention and control, health and safety and fire safety procedures.
• Work closely with care staff and management regarding residents' nutritional and hydration needs.
• Report any concerns regarding a resident's appetite, dietary intake, weight, swallowing needs or nutritional wellbeing to the appropriate member of the team.
• Support a positive and enjoyable mealtime experience for all residents.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Is reliable, organised and able to work confidently within a busy kitchen.
• Has a genuine passion for preparing good-quality food.
• Understands the importance of providing nutritious and enjoyable meals within a care environment.
• Has knowledge of HACCP and food safety procedures.
• Has knowledge of IDDSI diets, texture-modified meals and thickened fluids, or is willing to undertake further training.
• Understands allergens and the importance of preventing cross-contamination.
• Can maintain accurate kitchen records and complete all required safety checks.
• Is able to accommodate individual dietary requirements, preferences and choices.
• Works well independently and as part of the wider care home team.
• Has a caring, respectful and person-centred approach towards our residents.

Previous cooking experience and a relevant Food Safety/Food Hygiene qualification are desirable, although additional training and support can be provided for the right candidate.

Position Details

Location: Blenheim Care Home
Position: Cook – Permanent
Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Saturday
Pay: £13.50 per hour

If you are passionate about good food and would like to play an important role in making mealtimes safe, nutritious and enjoyable for our residents, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to join the team at Blenheim Care Home.