Job Title: Caterer/Cook (with cleaning duties)

Location: Newry

Parking Info: Not specified.

Job Type: Temporary

Duration of booking: Expected to be for 6 months (possible extension)

Proposed start date: ASAP

Sector: Healthcare

Working environment: Residential Home, Children and Young People’s Services

Band: 3

Pay Rates:

£13.00 to £14.00 per hour PAYE inclusive of holiday pay

Working Days and Hours: Monday to Friday (37.5 hours per week split between two sites, 18.75 hours each site) Working hours TBC

Remote working option Info: Not an option (onsite 5 days per week)

Travelling for work purposes: The postholder will be expected to travel between NIAS facilities in the conduct of their duties and must have a current licence and access to a car

Summary

• Residential homes provide long-term care for a range of young people between the ages of 10 to 18 years, with a variety of needs. 
• The Cook will work closely with other staff members in providing a caring environment and will be responsible for the preparation and cooking of meals and the maintenance and cleanliness of the kitchen and other areas of the home, as well as other duties appropriate to the role. 
• The Cook will be required to understand and adhere to HACCP, ensuring that methods of preparation, production and presentation comply with current Food Safety Legislation and to comply with all Catering Policies, Procedures, Safety Regulations including COSHH. 

Responsibilities

• Preparation of meals and snacks and assist with food service to young people.  This will include purchasing, preparing and cooking healthy, nutritious meals from scratch and reheating food when required, i.e. cook-chill. The cook will also lead other support staff within the kitchen as required.
• To have knowledge of and meet nutritional and dietary requirements and ensure compliance in relation to allergens.
• To understand and adhere to HACCP and ensure accurate recording and monitoring of HACCP forms and all relevant temperature records including fridge, delivery, cooking and reheating records.
• To ensure quality is maintained in regard to procedure, practices, portion control and presentation.
• Ensure personal hygiene and food hygiene standards are achieved and maintained.
• Encourage the young people to participate in meal preparation and menu planning where appropriate, as well as washing and tidying up.
• General kitchen duties to include cleaning and disinfecting work surfaces and floors, loading/ unloading dishwasher and putting away of items. 
• Undertake domestic duties within the home including laundry and cleaning of all areas of the home as required.
• Empty and clean waste receptacles, removal of waste bags and placement for collection. This includes an active role in ensuring the home engages in recycling and disposing of waste appropriately.
• Awareness of infection control measures relating to cooking and cleaning.
• Participate in training of new staff and development of staff   to ensure they are competent to undertake their duties.
• Cash handling duties as required. This includes management of a budget for household items to ensure the correct and economical use of provisions, consumables and equipment and recording of any expenditure as appropriate.
• To attend in service training and when applicable attend courses which may be held outside the work location.
• To monitor stock levels and order goods ensuring that correct procedures are followed with regard to receipt and storage of food and consumables and other stock items.
• Wear protective clothing provided, observe personal hygiene regulations, and comply with all Health and Safety, HAACP, COSHH, Food Hygiene procedures and regulations.  
• Be responsible for opening and locking up of work areas and safe storage of chemicals and equipment where necessary.

Experience and Knowledge

• Experience of working in a residential setting. (Desirable)
• Have a minimum of 1 years’ previous experience of cooking meals in a paid capacity.
• Experience of working with young people. (Desirable)
• Be industrious and conscious of Health and Safety issues within the work environment – this includes knowledge of HAACP guidelines and COSHH.

Education and Qualifications

• Hold a NVQ level 2 in relevant area such as Food Preparation and Cooking OR equivalent.

Questions

• Do you have previous experience working as a Band 3 Caterer/Cook (with cleaning duties) within the NHS or Healthcare Sector?
• Do you have experience working as a Caterer/Cook?
• Do you Have a minimum of 1 years’ previous experience of cooking meals in a paid capacity?
• Do you hold a NVQ level 2 in relevant area such as Food Preparation and Cooking OR equivalent?
• Do you meet the criteria above and available to start immediately?