Culinary Specialist

About Our Home:

Gold Care Homes is a leading provider of high-quality care services, dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming environment for our residents. As a Culinary Specialist, you will play a vital role in delivering exceptional dining experiences that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of our residents.

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced and skilled Culinary Specialist to join our team at Acton Care Centre. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and cooking nutritious, well-balanced meals for residents, taking into account individual dietary needs, preferences, and medical conditions.

Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation & Cooking:
• Plan and prepare daily meals according to the care home's menus and residents' dietary requirements.
• Ensure meals are cooked and presented to a high standard, with attention to taste, appearance, and nutritional value.
• Adapt recipes and menus to accommodate residents with special dietary needs (e.g., diabetic, low-sodium, gluten-free).
• Monitor portion control to ensure appropriate serving sizes.

Menu Planning:

• Collaborate with the Head Chef or Manager to develop and review menus that cater to residents' preferences and nutritional needs.
• Incorporate seasonal ingredients and local produce when possible.
• Obtain feedback from residents to continuously improve meal offerings.

Food Safety & Hygiene:

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment, adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Ensure all food is stored, prepared, and served in compliance with food safety standards.
• Regularly check kitchen equipment and report any issues or maintenance needs to the appropriate personnel.

Inventory & Budget Management:

• Monitor stock levels and order supplies as needed, ensuring cost-effective purchasing.
• Manage food costs by minimizing waste and maximizing the use of ingredients.
• Keep accurate records of stock and inventory.

Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with the care home staff to coordinate meal service times and address any specific dietary requests.
• Supervise and train kitchen assistants or junior staff as needed.
• Participate in staff meetings and contribute to discussions on improving service delivery.

Resident Interaction:

• Engage with residents to understand their dietary preferences and make adjustments to menus accordingly.
• Assist residents with meal choices and provide information about the ingredients and preparation methods when needed.

We offer a competitive salary of £14 per hour, along with a range of benefits including ESAS – Salary Advance, Employee Assistance Programme, Perkbox, Employee of the Month, Blue Light Card, Professional Development, and Refer a Friend.