Come and join one of the UK's largest independent providers in neuro and mental healthcare. We proudly employ over 4000+ people - no matter what your experience, we have jobs for everyone.
We'd like you to join us as a Chef at our Neurological rehabilitation and residential service, Park House in Bedford.
At Park House, we have a strong focus on therapy, care and quality of life. We offer specialist post acute rehabilitation, as well as management of long term neurological conditions, in Bedford. We're committed to helping every person we support feel safe, happy, empowered enabling them to live the best life possible.
About the role:
Reporting to the Registered Manager / Deputy Manager, you will be responsible for the preparation, planning, and delivery of high-quality, nutritious, and safe meals for Residents within a neurological rehabilitation setting.
You will support Residents who, due to neurological impairment, require specialised diets, including modified textures (IDDSI), thickened fluids, and tailored nutritional plans. You will ensure that all meals are prepared in line with individual care plans, dietary requirements, allergies, and medical needs, whilst promoting dignity, independence, and choice.
You will contribute to the overall rehabilitation journey by ensuring food provision supports recovery, wellbeing, and quality of life.
What you'll be working:
* Part time - 27hours per week
* Working 3 days a week (To be discussed at interview)
* Location: Bedford
* Salary - £30.409.80 (FTE) Per annum pro rata
What you'll be doing:
key responsibilities are
~ In your role as a Chef, you will ensure that you maintain the highest standards of food quality, safety, and service delivery.
~ You will maintain the safety of Residents, in accordance with national legislation and local policy.
~ You will maintain confidentiality, in accordance with national legislation and local policy, including GDPR/Data Protection protocols.
~ You will behave in a manner that upholds the reputation of the Organisation and the profession.
~ You will ensure all meals are prepared in accordance with individual Residents' care plans, dietary requirements, and preferences.
~ You will prepare meals in line with IDDSI guidelines, including:
* Pureed diets
* Minced and moist diets
* Soft and bite-sized diets
* Thickened fluids
~ You will ensure all food prepared meets allergy requirements, intolerances, cultural, and religious needs.
~ You will work closely with the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), including Speech and Language Therapists (SALT), Dietitians, and Nursing staff, to ensure safe and appropriate nutritional support.
~ You will ensure that Residents are encouraged to enjoy meals and drinks, respecting their wishes and preferences.
~ You will support the monitoring of food and fluid intake, and escalate any concerns regarding nutrition or hydration.
~ You will maintain high standards of hygiene, cleanliness, and infection prevention within the kitchen environment, in line with organisational policies.
~ You will follow all Food Safety and HACCP procedures, including:
* Temperature monitoring
* Food storage and stock rotation (FIFO)
* Cleaning schedules
* Allergen management
~ You will ensure that kitchen equipment is used safely and maintained appropriately.
~ You will report any hazards, incidents, or concerns immediately to management.
~ You will manage stock levels, order supplies, and ensure cost-effective use of resources whilst minimising waste.
~ You will ensure that all records, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and allergen documentation, are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
~ You will undertake all required mandatory training and e-learning compliance, including:
* Food hygiene
* Infection prevention and control
* Allergy awareness
* Dysphagia / IDDSI awareness
* Health and safety
~ You will participate in competency assessments to ensure safe and effective practice.
~ You will attend handovers and communicate effectively with the care and clinical teams regarding dietary needs and changes.
~ You will be aware of and promote safeguarding procedures and raise any concerns appropriately.
~ You will maintain knowledge of governing body requirements, including CQC standards and food safety regulations.
~ You will remain updated and professionally competent with evidence-based best practice.
~ You will complete your shifts as per the rota and be punctual.
~ You will contribute to maintaining a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment at all times.
This job description is not intended to be exhaustive, and duties may change in line with service needs.
What you'll have:
Essential
* Previous experience as a Chef in a care home, healthcare setting, or similar environment
* (or strong experience within a professional kitchen/restaurant setting)
* Knowledge of specialist diets, including dysphagia and IDDSI
* Understanding of food allergies, intolerances, and safe food preparation
* Food Hygiene Level 2 (minimum)
* Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations
Desirable
* Experience within a neurological rehabilitation setting
* Food Hygiene Level 3
* Experience working with SALT and Dietitian-led dietary plans
Skills
* Ability to work independently and manage a kitchen
* Strong organisational and time management skills
* Attention to detail, especially regarding dietary safety
* Ability to work under pressure
* Good communication and teamwork skills
* Compassionate and person-centred approach
What to look forward to:
* 25 days plus bank holidays
* Birthday off
* Join the Active Learning Hub and benefit from a wide range of e learning and face to face training and development opportunities
* Active Reward App giving discounts and savings on your weekly shop
* Free 24 hour confidential Employee Assistance Programme Helpline & App to support with legal, health, wellbeing, relationship and consumer advice
* A Nest Personal Pension account
* Access to join a Medicash Health Plan for you and your family to save money on everyday health essentials like going to the dentist or opticians
* We recognise outstanding Active Behaviours via the Active Awards programme
* Enhanced Sick & Maternity Pay benefits
* Refer a Friend Scheme and earn yourself up to £1000 by recommending someone you know
* and, of course, the support and guidance of our qualified clinical and business leadership teams so that you can really develop your career with Active Care Group