Head Cook

To prepare, cook and serve food in a timely and professional manner, in accordance with defined standards and quality, working within the current Health and Safety, and Hygiene legislation. The aim of achieving high standards of customer care and good quality for frail elderly residents.

Main Responsibilities

To prepare, cook and serve food to meet the specifications of the residents. This includes meeting the meal requirements of the residents and staff. This includes any special, emergency and function catering.

To assist in supervising the assistant cook and catering assistants; ensuring that the agreed standards and targets are maintained.

To promote and participate in an alert and positive approach to Fire, and Health and Safety in accordance to the Care Home Policy.

Promote effective waste management within the Dining room and Kitchen.

To keep abreast of new initiatives, systems, and regulations through regular mandatory, and recommended training.
To prepare, cook and serve food to meet the specifications of the residents which require a special diet.

Staff Supervision

Assist the Care Home Management Team in supervising the assistant cook and catering assistants, in order to achieve cost effective catering service at a high quality.

Assist with appropriate on site basic training when required, and to ensure staff are motivated and developed to their full potential.

Ensure that all catering staff has full knowledge of dishes regarding ingredients, cooking methods, and correct portion sizes.

Supervise and assist with cleaning duties as required by the Care Home Management Team including general washing up, tidying and clearing duties.

Administration

Assist and implement the Guides to the Good Practice Food Manual, in addition to the Care Homes Food and Hygiene Policies and Procedures.

Ensure the Care Home Management Teams policies and all the Health and Safety legislation is applied effectively to all activities undertaken by members of the Catering Team.

Monitor, organise and maintain appropriate stock control levels in all areas including records of weekly and monthly stocktaking and monthly audits.

To work at all times, within the guidelines of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Homes Health and Safety Policy, and the Employees' Handbooks.
To undertake duties with regards to the Homes Fire Regulations Policy, as required.
To ensure readiness to commence work at the time stated on the Duty Rotas', and not to abandon duty without permission from the Care Homes Management Team.
To adhere to the Care Homes Policy, that relates to personal appearance, and uniform policy whilst on duty, as necessary.
To attend staff meetings and mandatory training sessions as required.
To recognise your own limitations, and to seek guidance from the Care Home Management Team as appropriate.
To ensure that personal hygiene is adopted at all times, including the wearing of, masks, aprons and gloves as necessary.
To assist in the implementation of the necessary paperwork before completing the shift.
To undertake any other duties in accordance to the job role, as required.