Cook

West Sussex County Council operates a diverse range of multi-disciplinary services for some of the most vulnerable and at-risk children and young people within the County, specifically our residential homes, which range from the provision of full-time care to short breaks. We aim to provide a stimulating and caring environment, within which the welfare of the children and young people we look after is promoted and at the forefront of childcare practice, enabling them to maximise their full potential.

High Trees is an 'Outstanding' Ofsted-rated home. Our home is small and inviting and we look after the individual needs of children with severe and complex learning disabilities and their families. We are ideally located in a lovely area, with a large, open garden with a patio area and are very much a part of the community.

Our dedicated and skilled staff team are keen to ensure that children who stay with us, whether full time or for short breaks, feel at home and feel safe.

The Opportunity

Salary: £25,584 - £25,992 per annum (pro-rata £12,792 - £12,996) plus a Crawley Weighting Allowance.
Working Pattern: 18.50 hours per week (part-time)
Contract: Permanent
Location: Crawley

As a Cook for our Residential Home, you will prepare and cook nutritionally balanced meals for the children. You will have the opportunity to design menus and provide training to children in how to plan and cook meals and will also be responsible for:

* Health and Safety
* Food Hygiene procedures
* Monitoring risk
* Ensure the kitchen is maintained to a high standard
* Ordering goods within a specified budget
* Keeping accurate records and stock control
* Coordinate agency Cooks and Kitchen Assistants if required

We are looking for someone who is aware of safeguarding procedures, to be able to remain up to date with compliance, legislation, polices, procedures, and professional codes of conduct.

A shift pattern will be agreed with the successful applicant.

Experience and Skills

Key Skills:

1. Ability to communicate in English with the children, staff and visitors to the Homes, to understand and be sensitive to the needs of the children.
2. Ability to prepare food of a varied nature to a high standard.
3. Ability to use IT to write emails, access information about the home, complete electronic logs etc.
5. Ability to organise/prioritise work, co-ordinate a variety of tasks in a clear and logical way and meet agreed deadlines.
6. Ability to work flexibly to allocated duties within the home to put the child first.

Qualifications and/or experience:

* Knowledge of effective cooking techniques and healthy, nutritious recipes.
* Cooking experience, including preparing, cooking, and serving meals for groups of people.
* Knowledge of ordering, costing, and stock control.
* Recognised Food Handling and Hygiene qualification, Basic Food Hygiene certificate
* NVQ Level 2 in catering or equivalent qualification or demonstrable equivalent experience. Desirable

Rewards and Benefits

For a full list of the benefits offered, please visit our Rewards and Benefits page.

Further Information

The reference number for this role is CAFHE05433.

For an informal conversation, please contact Ben Arnold (Registered Manager)