Care Home Cook

Job Title

Cook

Reports To

Home Manager

Job Purpose

To prepare, cook, and serve nutritious, high-quality meals that meet the dietary, nutritional, cultural, and individual needs of residents. The Cook will ensure all food is prepared and served in accordance with food safety legislation and maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming kitchen environment.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Food Preparation and Service

• Prepare and cook meals, snacks, and beverages in accordance with planned menus.
• Ensure meals are appetising, nutritious, and suitable for residents' individual dietary requirements.
• Cater for special diets, including diabetic, fortified, vegetarian, vegan, allergy-related, and texture-modified diets.
• Ensure meals are served at appropriate times and correct temperatures.
• Monitor portion control and minimise food waste.
• Consult with residents regarding food preferences and menu choices whenever possible.

Nutrition and Hydration

• Support the promotion of good nutrition and hydration for all residents.
• Work alongside nursing and care staff to meet residents' dietary needs.
• Ensure fortified meals and supplements are prepared as required.
• Report concerns relating to residents' eating habits, weight loss, or nutritional intake to management.

Food Safety and Hygiene

• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness.
• Comply with Food Safety Act requirements and HACCP procedures.
• Ensure safe food storage, preparation, and disposal.
• Monitor and record fridge, freezer, and food temperatures.
• Ensure stock is rotated using FIFO (First In, First Out) principles.
• Maintain accurate cleaning schedules and food safety records.

Kitchen Management

• Monitor food stock levels and notify management of ordering requirements.
• Receive, check, and store deliveries correctly.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is maintained and report defects promptly.
• Assist in planning varied and balanced menus.
• Ensure allergens are properly managed and communicated.

Health and Safety

• Follow all health and safety policies and procedures.
• Use kitchen equipment safely and appropriately.
• Report accidents, incidents, and hazards immediately.
• Participate in fire safety and emergency procedures.

Team Working

• Work collaboratively with care, nursing, housekeeping, and management teams.
• Support kitchen assistants and provide guidance where appropriate.
• Attend meetings and training as required.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience of food preparation and cooking.
• Knowledge of food hygiene and food safety standards.
• Understanding of nutritional needs of older adults.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desirable

• Previous experience within a care home, nursing home, hospital, or similar setting.
• Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 or above.
• Knowledge of modified diets and allergen management.
• Understanding of CQC standards relating to nutrition, hydration, and food safety.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality regarding residents and staff.
• Treat residents with dignity, respect, and kindness.
• Attend mandatory training and refresher courses.
• Follow all company policies and procedures.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties requested by the Home Manager.

Working Hours

• Shift patterns as agreed.
• May include weekend and bank holiday working.

Key Values

The Cook will:

• Promote residents' wellbeing through enjoyable and nutritious meals.
• Maintain high standards of food safety and cleanliness.
• Provide a positive dining experience for residents.
• Treat all residents with dignity, respect, and compassion.