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The role of lead cook at Thorpe House includes being able to plan, prepare and cook nutritious and balanced meals for all of our residents. In this role candidates are expected to prepare and serve meals and snacks from scratch. The candidate will also be responsible for overseeing a cook's assistant and they will be expected to complete various other general kitchen duties such as deep cleaning.

Some residents may have special dietary and healthcare needs and therefore a knowledge of this would be preferable but is not required, but a willingness to learn is essential.

Key responsibilities are as follows:

• Prepare, cook, serve, hold and save wholesome meals and drinks as identified within the menu and resident choices
• Awareness of dietary requirements and act upon this following any guidance provided by Nutritionist, RMN (Registered Mental Health Nurse) or external health professional
• Follow Thorpe House food hygiene policies and procedures
• Practice at the standards identified within the Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations 2013 and Food Safety Act 1990
• Ability to complete and hold a valid Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety certificate
• Ensure the kitchen environment is clean following detailed cleaning charts and completing appropriate paperwork
• Be responsible for ordering, receiving and safe checking in and storage of food stocks
• Complete weekly checks on the kitchen (pest check, stock rotation

As the lead cook the individual will have additional responsibilities as follows:

• Responsible for the overseeing of all ordering – to include stock taking, paper orders and online orders (Sainsburys & Total Foods)
• Auditing – responsibility to audit the therapy kitchen, barn kitchen and staff rest room area kitchen and document this as per the system (Access Care Compliance)
• Reporting of any kitchen maintenance – via electronic system
• Recruitment – involvement in the recruitment process of any kitchen team members, including interviews, scoring, training and induction
• Activities – Involvement in planning upcoming activities based around food (e.g., Chinese New Year Menu)
• Ability to complete and hold a valid Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene certificate

We are seeking somebody who has good organisation and communication skills and who is able to work well as part of the team. The kitchen team at Thorpe House is currently 1 lead cook, 1 cook and 2 cook's assistants. This role is the same level as any other cook employed by Thorpe House, but the candidate will have additional responsibilities listed as above.

'Our vision is to be recognised by our service users, employees and stakeholders as the best provider of mental health services nationally; where people can live, laugh and learn within an environment of choice.'

Working hours for this role as follows: Week 1: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday working 08:00 - 20:00 (1 hour break)

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• Free flu jabs
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• 12 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Overtime
• Weekend availability

Experience:

• Kitchen management: 1 year (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Reference ID: Lead Cook Sept 24'