About Our Home: At Willesden Court, we offer a welcoming environment where every resident is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. Our home is a place where individuals living with dementia or requiring nursing care can feel truly at home, supported to express themselves and live fulfilling lives. JOB SUMMARY The Chef in a care home setting is responsible for preparing and cooking nutritious, well-balanced meals for residents, taking into account individual dietary needs, preferences, and medical conditions. The Chef plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene, and presentation while contributing to the overall well-being and satisfaction of the residents. RESPONSIBILITIES Meal Preparation & Cooking: + Plan and prepare daily meals according to the care home's menus and residents' dietary requirements. + Ensure meals are cooked and presented to a high standard, with attention to taste, appearance, and nutritional value. + Adapt recipes and menus to accommodate residents with special dietary needs (e.g., diabetic, low-sodium, gluten-free). + Monitor portion control to ensure appropriate serving sizes. Menu Planning: + Collaborate with the Head Chef or Manager to develop and review menus that cater to residents' preferences and nutritional needs. + Incorporate seasonal ingredients and local produce when possible. + Obtain feedback from residents to continuously improve meal offerings. Food Safety & Hygiene: + Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment, adhering to health and safety regulations. + Ensure all food is stored, prepared, and served in compliance with food safety standards. + Regularly check kitchen equipment and report any issues or maintenance needs to the appropriate personnel. Inventory & Budget Management: + Monitor stock levels and order supplies as needed, ensuring cost-effective purchasing. + Manage food costs by minimizing waste and maximizing the use of ingredients. + Keep accurate records of stock and inventory. Team Collaboration: + Work closely with the care home staff to coordinate meal service times and address any specific dietary requests. + Supervise and train kitchen assistants or junior staff as needed. + Participate in staff meetings and contribute to discussions on improving service delivery. Resident Interaction: + Engage with residents to understand their dietary preferences and make adjustments to menus accordingly. + Assist residents with meal choices and provide information about the ingredients and preparation methods when needed. Benefits + Salary £16.00 per Hour + ESAS – Salary Advance + Employee Assistance Programme + Perkbox + Employee of the Month + Long term service awards + Blue Light Card + Professional Development + Refer a Friend