Cook - Day Centre

· Our client has an extra care scheme in Chalk Farm, featuring 38 purpose-built homes and a care service designed to support residents of all ages with social care needs to live independently., · To act as key holder, unlocking the nursery in the morning. Switching on all necessary equipment (water boiler, grill light oven, hot plate.) Dealing appropriately when issues arise

· Preparing for, cooking lunch and preparing sacks within the centre taking account of dietary, cultural and religious needs. Responsibility for clearing away after meals.

· Ordering produce, ensuring that there is sufficient to cover the number of meals

· required, but to ensure there is minimal waste. (Ensuring that food is consumed within sell by dates.)

· Ensure that hygiene standards and safe practices are maintained at all times, including cleaning fridges freezers and cookers; washing large pots, cleaning work surfaces, ensuring that instructions for freezing food are followed; washing floors, shelves, walls, work surfaces

· To account for any monies spent as required and monitor budgets.

· Attending meetings with centre managers to discuss menus and allow time to plan meals on a weekly basis and to input into team meetings and undertake training as and when required.

· To ensure that standards and working practices conform to Health & Safety legislation in this area of work.

· To purchase prepare, cook and serve meals, ensuring that all meals are balanced and take account of all ethnic, religious and dietary needs of clients and staff.

· To provide additional catering when required.

· Ordering produce, ensuring that there is sufficient to cover the number of meals required, but to ensure there is minimal waste.

· Ensure that hygiene standards and safe practices are always maintained, including cleaning fridges freezers and cookers; washing large pots, cleaning work surfaces, ensuring that instructions for freezing food are followed; washing floors, shelves, walls, work surfaces.

· To account for any monies spent as required and monitor budgets.

· Need to focus on dietary needs of customers.

· Working together and taking responsibility for the working environment, to ensure healthy and safe working practices.

· A proactive approach to budget management, whilst providing varied menus is required.

· The ability to work as part of a team.

· The ability to provide a catering service on a large scale.

· An understanding of stock control methods.

· A flexible approach in addressing the needs of elderly and/or vulnerable people.

· Experience of preparing and cooking meals which reflect a multi-ethnic community.

· Experience of providing a high standard of hygiene.

· Experience of working to strict budgets and catering deadlines.

Essential Qualifications Required:

· Food Hygiene Certificate.

· Qualification in Catering & Hospitality or equivalent experience.