Chef

Come and join one of the UK's largest independent providers in neuro and mental healthcare. We proudly employ over 4000+ people - no matter what your experience, we have jobs for everyone.

We'd like you to join us as a Chef at our Neurological rehabilitation and residential service, Park House in Bedford.

At Park House, we have a strong focus on therapy, care and quality of life. We offer specialist post acute rehabilitation, as well as management of long term neurological conditions, in Bedford. We're committed to helping every person we support feel safe, happy, empowered and enable them to live the best life possible.

About the role:

Reporting to the Registered Manager / Deputy Manager, you will be responsible for the preparation, planning, and delivery of high quality, nutritious, and safe meals for residents within a neurological rehabilitation setting.

You will support residents who, due to neurological impairment, require specialised diets, including modified textures (IDDSI), thickened fluids and tailored nutritional plans. You will ensure that all meals are prepared in line with individual care plans, dietary requirements, allergies and medical needs, whilst promoting dignity, independence and choice.

You will contribute to the overall rehabilitation journey by ensuring food provision supports recovery, wellbeing and quality of life.

What you'll be working:

• Part time - 27 hours per week
• Working 3 days a week (to be discussed at interview)
• Location: Bedford
• Salary - £30,409.80 (FTE) per annum pro rate

What you'll be doing:

Key responsibilities are:

• Maintain the highest standards of food quality, safety and service delivery.
• Maintain the safety of residents in accordance with national legislation and local policy.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with national legislation and local policy, including GDPR/Data Protection protocols.
• Behave in a manner that upholds the reputation of the organisation and the profession.
• Prepare all meals in accordance with individual residents' care plans, dietary requirements and preferences.
• Prepare meals in line with IDDSI guidelines, including: pureed diets, minced and moist diets, soft and bite sized diets, thickened fluids.
• Ensure all food prepared meets allergy requirements, intolerances, cultural and religious needs.
• Work closely with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) including speech and language therapists, dietitians and nursing staff, to ensure safe and appropriate nutritional support.
• Encourage residents to enjoy meals and drinks, respecting their wishes and preferences.
• Support monitoring of food and fluid intake and escalates any concerns regarding nutrition or hydration.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, cleanliness and infection prevention within the kitchen environment, in line with organisational policies.
• Follow all Food Safety and HACCP procedures, including temperature monitoring, food storage and stock rotation (FIFO), cleaning schedules, and allergen management.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is used safely and maintained appropriately.
• Report any hazards, incidents or concerns immediately to management.
• Manage stock levels, order supplies and ensure cost effective use of resources while minimising waste.
• Complete all records, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules and allergen documentation, accurately and timely.
• Undertake all required mandatory training and e learning compliance, including food hygiene, infection prevention and control, allergy awareness, dysphagia/IDDSI awareness, health and safety.
• Participate in competency assessments to ensure safe and effective practice.
• Attend hand overs and communicate effectively with the care and clinical teams regarding dietary needs and changes.
• Be aware of and promote safeguarding procedures and raise any concerns appropriately.
• Maintain knowledge of governing body requirements, including CQC standards and food safety regulations.
• Remain updated and professionally competent with evidence based best practice.
• Complete your shifts as per the rota and be punctual.
• Contribute to maintaining a clean, safe and organised kitchen environment at all times.

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive and duties may change in line with service needs.

What you'll have: Essential

• Previous experience as a chef in a care home, healthcare setting or similar environment (or strong experience within a professional kitchen/restaurant setting).
• Knowledge of specialist diets, including dysphagia and IDDSI.
• Understanding of food allergies, intolerances and safe food preparation.
• Food Hygiene Level 2 (minimum).
• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations.

Desirable

• Experience within a neurological rehabilitation setting.
• Food Hygiene Level 3.
• Experience working with SALT and dietitian led dietary plans.

Skills

• Ability to work independently and manage a kitchen.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Attention to detail, especially regarding dietary safety.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Compassionate and person centred approach.

What to look forward to:

• 25 days plus bank holidays.
• Birthday off.
• Join the Active Learning Hub and benefit from a wide range of e learning and face to face training and development opportunities.
• Active Reward App giving discounts and savings on your weekly shop.
• Free 24 hour confidential Employee Assistance Programme Helpline & App to support with legal, health, wellbeing, relationship and consumer advice.
• A Nest Personal Pension account.
• Access to join a Medicash Health Plan for you and your family to save money on everyday health essentials such as dental and optician visits.
• We recognise outstanding Active Behaviours via the Active Awards programme.
• Enhanced Sick & Maternity Pay benefits.
• Refer a Friend Scheme and earn yourself up to £1000 by recommending someone you know.
• and, of course, the support and guidance of our qualified clinical and business leadership teams so you can really develop your career with Active Care Group.