Cook

1. The cook is responsible for managing the operation of the kitchen including food production, staff management, supplies, presentation / service and record management and compliance with quality and safety standards
2. You'll maintain accurate records as required, in accordance with procedures, guidelines and regulations.
3. Provide for preferences and needs of individual residents, including special dietary requirements such as diabetic, vegetarian and culturally specific diets.

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

The job description refers to the principal duties and responsibilities of the Post. It does not necessarily list in detail all the tasks required to carry out these duties and responsibilities.

The cook is responsible for managing the operation of the kitchen including food production, staff management, supplies, presentation / service and record management and compliance with quality and safety standards this will include:  

Food Preparation:

• Prepare, cook and serve a varied diet consisting of nutritious hot and cold meals, desserts, cakes and snacks
• Ensure all meals are of a high quality and attractively presented
• Provide for preferences and needs of individual residents, including special dietary requirements such as diabetic, vegetarian and culturally specific diets

Communication:

• Liaise with the Resource Centre Manager when planning menus in order to provide a balanced nutritious diet, and making the best use of resources, including available fresh foods
• Communicate with the kitchen and care staff to ensure a consistent and responsive service

Budgetary / Financial Control:

• Maintain accurate records as required, in accordance with procedures, guidelines and regulations.
• Ensure the correct and economical use of provisions and equipment.
• Ensure stock rotation and consider stock levels and good value principles in the process of ordering
• Plan and design cost effective menus

Training & Development:

• Induct, Supervise and instruct Kitchen Assistants and agency staff in the safe use of all equipment and hygiene procedures, and give help and guidance where appropriate
• Ensure the principles of basic food hygiene training are applied by all food handlers
• Maintain and improve professional knowledge and competence and attend staff meetings, mandatory training days / courses, on or off site, as and when required, including outside of rota hours

Health & Safety:

• Ensure the implementation of relevant procedures and guidance and that associated standards are maintained in the kitchen and dining areas, this includes Environment Health, Health and Safety, Fire and Food Safety Standards
• Ensure that chemicals and kitchen equipment are used and stored correctly and that safety and COSHH procedures adhered to at all times.
• Ensure all crockery and equipment is cleaned, stored and maintained appropriately, and that the overall cleaning of the kitchen (and where appropriate, the dining areas) is carried out effectively
• Report immediately to the Home Manager, or Person in Charge, any accident or illness of an infectious nature
• Report to the Home Manager, person in charge or the Handyperson, any faulty appliances, damaged furniture, equipment or any potential hazard.
• Promote safe working practices in the Home.

General:

• Contribute to the safeguarding of adults by ensuring an awareness of Adult Protection Policies and take steps to protect Service Users from any form of abuse or neglect and use the appropriate reporting mechanisms to inform the Home’s Management of any concerns.
• Adhere to all new, and changes in Local and Central Government initiatives as and when they are implemented.
• Promote a positive personal / professional profile within the local community, ensuring the good reputation of the Home at all times.
• Ensure that all information of confidential nature gained in the course of duty is not divulged to third parties.
• Ensure the security of the Day Centre is maintained at all times.
• Ensure compliance with the Council’s Financial Regulations, Standing Orders, Policies and Procedures
• To implement the principles of the Council’s Equal Opportunity Policy whilst carrying out the above duties
• To adhere to Health and Safety legislation / relevant Council policies and procedures and to take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and other persons who may be adversely affected by your acts / omissions.
• To implement the principles of the Council's Environment Policy while carrying out the above duties.
• Such other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the grade and in accordance with the general character of the job as may reasonably be required by the Chief Officer from time to time.