About the role
We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic Cook/Chef to deliver high‑quality, nutritious meals for our elderly residents. This role directly contributes to the wellbeing of those in our care.
Working Hours
21 hours per week. 8:00am – 3:30pm (fixed, not flexible).
Rota Pattern
* Week 1 – 3 working days between Monday and Friday.
* Week 2 – 1 working day between Monday and Friday, plus Saturday and Sunday.
Benefits
Full list of employee benefits available on the careers site.
What will you be doing?
* Cooking daily meals – preparing breakfast, lunch and tea for residents in a 24‑hour care home, ensuring meals are tasty, nutritious and meet residents’ needs.
* Planning menus – designing menus that take into account different diets, allergies, health conditions, textures, and personal preferences.
* Ensuring safety and hygiene – keeping the kitchen clean and compliant, following food hygiene rules, completing risk assessments, and reporting any faults or hazards.
* Supporting residents – creating a positive mealtime experience, supporting staff at mealtimes, and ensuring residents are kept safe around kitchen areas.
About you
We want colleagues who THRIVE – skills, attitude, and values that help us deliver great care every day.
Trust & Respect
* A genuine commitment to preparing safe, nutritious meals that meet individual dietary, cultural, and medical needs.
* An understanding of equal opportunities and respect for people’s behavioural, physical, social, and welfare needs.
* The ability to work positively with colleagues and contribute to a supportive team environment.
High Performing
* Experience of preparing and cooking meals, ideally in a care, day centre, or residential setting.
* A good understanding of food hygiene and health & safety practices, including a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate.
* Strong time‑management skills, with the ability to work to set mealtimes and deadlines.
* Confidence in ordering supplies and managing stock within a small budget.
Value & Innovate
* A practical, organised approach that helps keep the kitchen running efficiently and safely.
* A willingness to learn, improve ways of working, and maintain high standards at all times.
Legal and Compliance
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore subject to an enhanced DBS certificate. It is also a regulated activity and will be subject to a Children and Adults Barred List check. West Northamptonshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Visa Sponsorship
This role does not meet the legal requirements for visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. We cannot accept individuals on full-time sponsorship who are seeking this as a second job or as their main job, as care is no longer classified as a Skilled Worker occupation.
Application Notes
Don’t delay – this role may close very quickly if we receive a high volume of suitable applicants.
Additional Support
If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, including needing the job description in another format or language, please email careers@westnorthants.gov.uk for support.
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