Assistant cook

1.Communication and relationship skills Able to work flexibly and communicate with all members of the catering team to ensure that all tasks are carried out to a high standard. Able to communicate well with residents, carers, volunteers and Ward/Centre staff especially with regard to menu changes, dietary requirements and dietary information Able to communicate effectively with outside contractors/agencies as advised by the supervisor. Knowledge, training and experience Has an understanding and knowledge of advanced Food and Hygiene requirements, catering procedures, practices and equipment. Is prepared to undertake further training as appropriate. Has an awareness of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Has experience of working in a health and social care environment and an understanding of health and safety requirements. Analytical and judgement skills Demonstrates a flexible approach and ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative. Ability to make decisions
involving straightforward facts or situations in relation to the use of equipment Ability to offer alternative menus or soft diets as required in consultation with nutritionist and line manager. Planning and organisational skills Ability to carry out planned day to day work activities including cooking prioritising times and procedures, ensuring that tasks are completed in the agreed time scale adhering to infection control and food hygiene measures. Ability to reorganise a menu at short notice Complete monthly time sheet, delivery sheets, and temperature control sheets. Report any areas of concern to the Catering Manager. Physical skills Ability to move food and items/equipment used for the preparation and cleaning up of food around the kitchen area as required. Ability to manoeuvre food trolleys around the home as required. Perform work required for the preparation of food, this may include knife skills Responsibility for patient / client care Perform work duties in a way that
minimises risks to residents, relatives, visitors, volunteers and staff and assists in maintaining a healthy and safe environment. Communicate with and assist residents within responsibilities of role and under supervision of nursing staff. Ability to provide information relating to food provision as appropriate Responsibility for policy and service development implementation Follows Medway Community Healthcare policies and procedures, alerting the appropriate person to any difficulties in doing so. Participation in discussion regarding policies and procedures and any proposed changes. To be able to offer ideas and suggestions ensuring catering standards are met and maintained. Responsibilities for financial and physical resources Assist the Catering Manager in maintaining budgets within spending limits, making best use of resources available. Maintain duty of care in relation to equipment and resources. Reporting problems or discrepancies quickly and to the
appropriate person. The post holder needs to understand stock control and may be required to sign for food/goods received. Responsibilities for human resources (HR) Demonstrates own duties to new or less experienced employees and agency staff as required. Demonstrates good understanding and application of the equality and diversity policy. Identify and participate in any training required to carry out role as agreed with manager. Ensure own compliance in statutory and mandatory training. Responsibilities for information resources Correctly and accurately records personally generated information including monthly time sheet. Complete all kitchen related records as required e.g. fridge temperatures. Ensure compliance with Information Governance policies and procedures, respecting the duty to protect resident/family information at all times.