Chef

Job Category: Chef/Cook

Extraordinary People, Exceptional Care Cook

It's true what they say, the kitchen is the heart of the home. At Orchard Healthcare Group , our kitchens are no different. They are at the centre of all our homes and provide delicious, and nutritious home cooked meals for everyone.

Location: Ashlea Mews Care Home - Stanhope Parade, South Shields NE33 4BA

Care Home Chef / Cook - 22.5hrs per week

Rates of Pay: £14.83 per hour

Introduction to the role

A talented Chef can bring to life a few ingredients that evoke memories of the past and bring warmth to an individual.

Orchard Healthcare Group values its kitchen staff, and we reward colleagues with training, support and the freedom to cook up a storm.

Working with the Home Manager and care staff, you will create nutritious and balanced meals that cater for the individual needs of those living in the home. You will supervise a dedicated team to prepare daily meals, manage the food orders, stock levels and maintenance of vital equipment.

Following food safety guidelines, you will ensure the kitchen is fit for purpose and able to complete the daily meals on time.

This is a vital role in all our homes. If you would like to know more or would like to visit our kitchens, please apply and a member of the team will be in touch.

What You'll Be Doing

• Plan, prepare and cook a variety of meals that are appealing, nutritious and centered around the individuals' preferences, requests or any special dietary requirements, following Orchard Healthcare Group's Good Food Guide and, where appropriate, making amendments after authorisation from the Support Centre.
• Be active and encouraging, providing advice and guidance for the team, ensuring the Care Home is a friendly, supportive working environment.
• Understand and comply with all statutory and legal requirements relevant such as HACCP, Health & Safety, COSHH, Environmental Health, all aspects of the Care Standards Act, and have a clear understanding of Infection Prevention and Control policies, procedures and measures to maintain a safe environment throughout the home.
• Implement, monitor and maintain cleaning schedules that meet the requirements of the Food Safety Manual, and ensure that all areas of the kitchen are immaculately clean. This will include the washing up of pots, pans and dishes when required.
• Ensure sufficient food stocks are ordered and received from approved suppliers and that stock rotation is taking place to maintain optimum freshness of all foodstuffs, ensuring the highest quality expected within Orchard Healthcare Group.
• Have knowledge of texture modified diets and food allergens.
• Have knowledge of modified diets and creating specific meal plans to suit an individual's needs.

Everything You'll Love

• Career development from day one, with clear progression pathways.
• Hundreds of colleague discounts every month across shopping, holidays, dining, tech, and more.
• Excellent employee recognition schemes such as "Making a Difference" award and Long Service Awards.
• Free emotional, practical, and financial support that's fully confidential, through an Employee Assistance Programme helpline and wellbeing app that's available 24/7, all year round.
• Company-supported pension scheme to invest in your future.
• Fully funded DBS check.

About Orchard Healthcare Group

In the heart of a residential area, close to Chichester Metro stop, Ashlea Mews is a modern, two-storey residential care home that provides quality care for up to 40 residents, including dementia support.

Orchard Healthcare Group have been providing care for older people for over 15 years. We are committed to being at the heart of the local community and delivering the same level of care that we would all wish for our loved ones.

We believe in investing in our people. Your professional development will be actively encouraged, with plenty of training and progression opportunities across our portfolio of homes.

Apply today

If you're ready to bring your compassion, energy, and dedication to a role that truly makes a difference, apply today and help us provide the kind of care every person deserves.

We proudly support the Armed Forces community and welcome applications from veterans, reservists, and military spouses as part of our commitment to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We value the unique skills and experiences that service personnel bring and are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.