1 - Month contract with additional shift Job Purpose To provide high‑quality, nutritious and well‑presented meals for adults receiving social care support, including individuals with a range of needs such as dementia, learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, and physical health conditions. The post-holder ensures that all meals meet dietary requirements, food safety standards and service expectations while contributing to a positive, person‑centred environment within the service. Key Responsibilities Meal Preparation & Delivery Plan, prepare and cook nutritious meals appropriate to the dietary needs of service users. Ensure meals are well‑presented, delivered on time and portioned consistently. Prepare snacks, light bites and refreshments in line with daily service needs. Adapt meals to meet specialist dietary requirements (e.g. soft diets, allergens, cultural diets, diabetic meals, fortified foods). Communicate with care staff to ensure meals align with individual support plans and health requirements. Food Safety, Hygiene & Compliance Follow food safety legislation, internal policies and Safer Food, Better Business guidelines. Maintain high standards of cleanliness across the kitchen, food preparation areas, storage and equipment. Complete routine hygiene checks, including temperature monitoring, cleaning schedules and due‑diligence documentation. Ensure all food is stored, labelled and rotated correctly to maintain safety and minimise waste. Report any equipment faults or hazards promptly to ensure safe working conditions. Stock & Resource Management Monitor stock levels and inform relevant staff of replenishment needs. Check deliveries for accuracy, quality and correct storage. Manage resources efficiently, reducing waste and contributing to cost‑effective operations. Teamwork & Communication Work collaboratively with care staff, day service teams and managers to ensure meals support individual needs and service schedules. Provide guidance to Catering Assistants when required, supporting effective daily operations. Contribute to a positive, supportive and professional working environment. Service User Interaction Engage respectfully and warmly with service users during meal service. Support service users’ independence, dignity and choice around food and dining. Adapt serving methods or provide additional assistance where individuals require support. Kitchen Operations Prepare the kitchen at the start of each day, ensuring equipment and resources are ready for use. Support end‑of‑day close‑down procedures, ensuring all areas are clean and compliant. Ensure all due‑diligence logs are completed accurately and on time. Experience Required Experience working in a kitchen environment, ideally within social care, education, healthcare or community settings. Experience preparing meals for individuals with specialist or complex dietary needs. Experience maintaining hygiene, food safety standards and completing kitchen documentation. Experience working as part of a busy, service‑driven team. Skills & Competencies Ability to cook nutritious, balanced meals in volume while maintaining quality. Strong understanding of food hygiene and safe kitchen practices. Good organisational skills and ability to manage time effectively. Ability to communicate clearly with staff and interact positively with service users. Flexible and adaptable approach to changing service needs. Qualifications Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene (essential). Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene (desirable or willingness to complete). Any catering or hospitality qualification (desirable but not essential). Additional information to note We work on a Bi weekly payment schedule The role closes on 27/04/ 2026, apply ASAP.