Cook

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Cook to join our internal agency team on a flexible contract, with a main base at Highfield Hall. You will be an integral member of the home's team, supported by the Kitchen Assistant to prepare and serve nutritious, well-balanced meals that meet residents' individual dietary needs and contribute to their overall wellbeing. As a valued part of the home's daily life, you will help to create a warm and welcoming mealtime experience each day. There may also be opportunities to work in other homes across the group, depending on your availability and preference.

About Each Other Care Agency & Each Other Care

Highfield Hall is proudly part of Each Other Care group, a family-owned, values-led care provider that owns and manages a community of homes across Lancashire, South Yorkshire, Essex, and Scotland (Cumbernauld and Forfar). Our company is run on simple but powerful purpose: to care for people in a way that contributes to a meaningful life. We provide quality nursing, dementia and residential care tailored to both elderly residents and younger adults.

To help ensure consistent, person-centred care across all our homes, we have recently introduced our own internal agency group. This flexible team includes colleagues in care, kitchen, domestic, and leadership roles, and provides high-quality, values-led support to our homes at short notice. By drawing on familiar, highly trained team members, our internal agency helps maintain continuity of care and a sense of community for both residents and team members.

Everything we do is grounded in our values: creating relationships, being authentic, positive and light-hearted and there for each other. Whether you live or work with us, you'll find a supportive, purpose-driven community where everyone is encouraged to thrive; living our values in everything we do and guiding the way we work together to support residents, loved ones, our team and health professionals.

What is different about Each Other Care Agency?

We take great pride in ensuring our agency team members feel valued and integrated into the homes they support. Alongside the benefits of flexible contracts, we provide agency team members with the same level of support and resources as our permanent team members, such as:

• Personalised Onboarding:  You will be onboarded with the same care and attention as our permanent team members. With paid shadow shifts and the guidance of an in-house Buddy, ensuring you feel welcomed and part of our close-knit community from day one. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging, so you'll have all the support you need to thrive in your role.
• Training:  You'll have access to all the training required for your role as a standard benefit. We ensure you receive comprehensive training to excel in your position, with a strong focus on your professional growth and development. Your success is our priority.
• Access to shifts real-time: You will be part of our internal rota planning system (Connecteam) which means you can claim shifts and update your availability real time, at your convenience.
• Dedicated line management: You will be assigned a primary home, where you are likely to work most of your shifts. The home manager will work closely with your line manager, Jack Marrow, who is our agency consultant, providing specific feedback and guidance to ensure you settle well in the home and for ongoing support.
• Guidance and development: You will benefit from quarterly guidance and development conversations with our agency lead, to support your personal and professional development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Meal Preparation and Delivery

• Meal Preparation: Prepare and cook meals according to residents' dietary requirements and preferences, ensuring variety and nutritional balance. This includes ability to prepare meals from scratch
• Food Safety: Maintain high standards of food hygiene and safety, adhering to all relevant regulations and guidelines.
• Special Diets: Accommodate special dietary needs, including allergies, intolerances, and medical conditions.
• Presentation: Ensure meals are presented attractively and served at the correct temperature.

Environmental and Housekeeping Support

• Cleanliness: Ensure the kitchen and dining areas are clean, tidy, and comfortable, following infection control procedures and health and safety guidelines.
• Housekeeping: Assist with light housekeeping duties related to meal preparation and service.

Teamwork and Contribution to Safe Running of the Home

• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with kitchen team members, carers, nurses, and managers to provide the highest standard of care.
• Communication: Maintain accurate records of meals prepared and served and communicate proactively with the care team.
• Safeguarding and Compliance: Ensure all food-related activities are conducted in line with safeguarding policies and procedures, treating residents with dignity, respect, and choice at all times.
• Compliance / Professional Development: Attend training required for the role and maintain confidentiality and uphold professional care standards.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE ROLE

Experience and Knowledge

• Passionate about nutrition and tailoring menus and food planning to optimise the physical and emotional wellbeing of the residents, including thinking creatively about how to help ensure adequate nutrition and hydration and tailoring menus to individual preferences.
• Ability to plan meals from scratch within food budgets, focusing on buying smart to optimise the quality of ingredients whilst staying within budgets.
• Previous experience in a care home or healthcare setting is preferred.
• Ability to follow meal plans and maintain accurate records of food preparation and service.
• Comfortable working with technology and willing to learn to use platforms such as Person-Centred Software.
• Knowledge of and compliance with regulatory requirements for food safety and quality, meeting CQC and Local Authority food Hygiene standards.

Teamwork and Behaviour

• Compassionate and empathetic nature with a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of our residents.
• Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively as part of a dedicated team to optimise nutrition and the dining experience for our residents
• Willingness to undergo training and professional development, maintaining compliance with home requirements.

Experience and Rights to Work

• Right to work in the UK.
• A current clear DBS and a willingness to undertake a new one for this role.

Pay: £13.00 per hour

Application question(s):

• Do you currently have or require a visa sponsorship?

Experience:

• Cook: 1 year (preferred)
• Care home: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person