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Location - South Cerney, Cirencester (GL7)
An **Cook** in a care home is responsible for preparing nutritious, well-balanced meals for residents while considering their dietary needs and preferences. As a temporary or flexible worker, the agency cook steps in to maintain the kitchen's daily operations when regular staff are unavailable. The cook plays a key role in supporting the health and well-being of the residents through the provision of high-quality meals.
**Key Responsibilities:**
1. **Meal Preparation:**
- Prepare, cook, and serve nutritious and well-balanced meals based on the dietary requirements of residents, including any allergies, intolerances, or health conditions.
- Follow menus and recipes, ensuring food quality and presentation meet the care home's standards.
- Adjust meals for residents with specific dietary needs, such as low-sodium, diabetic, or gluten-free diets.
2. **Health and Safety:**
- Adhere to food hygiene and safety regulations, ensuring the kitchen and workstations are kept clean and sanitized.
- Follow the care homes food safety management systems, such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).
- Store food safely and maintain stock rotation to prevent wastage.
3. **Resident Interaction:**
- Engage with residents to gather feedback on meals and ensure their dietary preferences are met.
- Communicate with care staff regarding residents specific nutritional needs.
- Prepare special meals for birthdays, holidays, or other special occasions within the care home.
4. **Kitchen Management:**
- Work independently or as part of a kitchen team to ensure the smooth operation of meal services.
- Ensure kitchen equipment is maintained and in good working condition.
- Report any kitchen or equipment issues to the care home management promptly.
5. **Compliance with Dietary Guidelines:**
- Ensure that all meals are prepared in accordance with the care homes dietary policies, as well as government guidelines for care home residents.
- Follow resident care plans, ensuring that meals provided align with individual health and dietary restrictions.
6. **Time Management:**
- Prepare and serve meals in a timely manner, ensuring that breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are ready according to the homes schedule.
- Manage multiple meal services efficiently, including preparing meals for various dietary needs simultaneously.
7. **Stock Control:**
- Assist with ordering ingredients and supplies as needed.
- Maintain an inventory of food supplies, ensuring proper stock levels are available to meet menu requirements.
**Skills and Attributes Required:**
- **Culinary Skills:** Strong ability to prepare a variety of meals to meet different dietary requirements.
- **Communication Skills:** Ability to communicate effectively with residents, care staff, and kitchen team members.
- **Attention to Detail:** Ability to follow specific dietary plans and recipes accurately.
- **Time Management:** Ability to manage time effectively in a busy kitchen environment, ensuring meals are prepared and served on schedule.
- **Adaptability:** Willingness to adapt to changing menus and dietary needs, and the ability to step into a new kitchen environment smoothly.
**Qualifications and Experience:**
- **Food Hygiene Certificate:** Level 2 or higher in Food Safety and Hygiene is mandatory.
- **Culinary Training:** Professional culinary qualifications or experience working as a cook or chef.
- **Experience in Care Settings:** Previous experience in a care home or healthcare setting is advantageous but not always required.
- **DBS Check:** A current Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is necessary to work in care homes.
**Working Conditions:**
- **Shifts:** The role may involve working shifts, including mornings, evenings, weekends, or holidays, depending on the care home's needs.
- **Environment:** Agency cooks typically work in a care home's kitchen, sometimes in unfamiliar environments due to the nature of agency work.
An agency cook ensures that residents receive nutritious and satisfying meals, contributing to their overall health and well-being within the care home environment.
**Candidate who can drive and has driving license is preferred.**
