Chef

Hestia; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job description

We are Hestia. We make a difference. At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. We provide a range of services, including Domestic Abuse support, Modern Slavery assistance, Mental Health & Complex Needs care, and Criminal Justice. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence.

The service you will work in…. Coxley House is a registered care home providing 24-hour support for up to 13 adults (18+) with mental health needs, referred by Social Services. The home offers 13 ensuite bedspaces, ensuring a comfortable and supportive environment for residents. Staff work closely with each individual to develop personalized care plans tailored to their unique needs. These plans encompass health management, medical appointments, coordination with professionals, family, and friends, as well as organizing social activities to promote well-being and engagement.

A day in this role looks like….

As a Chef at Hestia, you will play a crucial role at RCH Coxley House. Your contributions will directly influence the lives of our service users, guiding them towards a path of empowerment and independence. A day will never look the same and some of the things you can expect to do/be responsible for are:

1. Prepare and serve nutritious meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring they meet residents' dietary needs and preferences, including special diets (e.g., diabetic, allergen-free, soft diets).
2. Develop rotating, balanced menus and hold monthly consultations with residents to gather feedback and plan future meals.
3. Manage stock levels, order food supplies, liaise with suppliers, and minimize food waste while ensuring timely, quality deliveries.
4. Coordinate with care home staff for meal times and dietary needs, and provide guidance to kitchen assistants if applicable.
5. Ensure kitchen operations comply with food hygiene, health & safety regulations, and COSHH/HACCP guidelines, conducting regular safety checks and maintaining accurate records for audits.
6. Report any issues to the Home Manager regarding kitchen operations or resident dietary concerns.

Why Hestia?

Joining Hestia means more than just a job; it's an opportunity to be part of something bigger. We offer a supportive, inclusive and resolution driven work environment where your contributions are recognised and valued. As a member of our team, you will have the chance to grow both personally and professionally while making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

We are looking for candidates who bring a combination of passion, expertise, and dedication to the table. To excel in this role, you should possess:

Essential Skills & Experience

1. Experience cooking for large groups, preferably in a care home, school, or healthcare setting.
2. Knowledge of nutritional needs for elderly or vulnerable individuals.
3. Strong understanding of food hygiene and compliance with health & safety regulations.

Desirable Skills & Qualifications

1. Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or 3) – Required.
2. Catering Qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 2/3 in Professional Cookery) – Desirable.
3. Previous experience in menu planning and stock ordering.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed. We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.