Chef | Full Time

• To be passionate about the delivery of and creative in the delivery of safe, wholesome nutritious food that caters for the preferences and needs of all our residents.
• To act at all times in a professional manner to residents, visitors and staff within the home.
• To attend appropriate training sessions to further knowledge, skills as deemed necessary by your line manager
• To help maintain a safe environment for staff, residents and visitors, through awareness of health and safety policies and by attending health and safety training as required.
• To be IT literate and maintain accurate records on internal systems as required.

• Efficiently and effectively control the operation of the central kitchen under the direction of the General Services Manager

• Monitor catering deliveries and ensure they are strictly in accordance with volumes/amounts ordered and at the rates agreed. Highlight any discrepancies immediately and bring to the attention of the General Services Manager and the Director of Nursing.
• Carry out stock takes when required.
• Ensure equipment is regularly maintained to minimise the risk of equipment down time.
• Immediately report defective kitchen materials and equipment to maintenance department through FLEX and inform General Services Manager or Director of Nursing as appropriate.

• Assist General Services Manager in the recruitment and selection of central kitchen staff in accordance with agreed Carechoice procedure.
• Manage central kitchen staff roster to ensure adequate cover at all times
• Train and monitor central kitchen staff in the preparation and presentation of menu dishes and in all aspects of their role in with Carechoice.
• Ensure that central kitchen staff have adequate supply of working tools and utensils to carry out their duties to meet and exceed all standards.
• Maintain open and honest communication with central kitchen staff with a view to engendering excellent employee relations within the team.
• Identify central kitchen employees with potential for promotion and work with the General Services Manager and HR to assist in implementing development plans
• Communicate all Carechoice Policies to central kitchen staff (including HR, Health and Safety, Food Safety) and ensure they are adhered to by staff.
• Ensure all central kitchen staff are able to carry out their duties to Carechoice standards and in line with all HSE & HIQA regulations through regular formal and informal training, and coaching
• Provide all relevant detail on central kitchen staff performance to General Services Manager who will conduct performance appraisal meetings.
• Ensure the agreed disciplinary and grievance procedures are adhered to at all times
• Ensure all employee counselling is documented and passed to General Services Manager

• Plan a varied menu for all meal periods, being innovative in the selection of ingredients and the development of wholesome and nutritious meals, and paying special attention to seasonal availability
• Ensure that all residents, regardless of dietary restrictions, are presented with a variety of appealing meal options
• Keep up to date with developments in catering including menu development and cooking techniques.
• Ensure that staff are adequately trained to effect good portion control and pleasing presentation of dishes.
• Assist in the planning of special events e.g. annual Christmas parties, etc.
• Seek feedback both formally (through surveys) and informally from Residents, family members and clinical staff regarding menu choice and quality of food.

• Ensure that the highest possible standard of personal hygiene is maintained by all employees in the central kitchen
• Ensure food hygiene is maintained by our suppliers and in the storage and preparation of food in accordance to HACCP and legal standards.
• Ensure all HACCP records are maintained in line with obligations.
• Train all staff who handle food to Level 1 HACCP standards
• Carry out regular internal audits of the kitchen and mini-kitchens as appropriate
• Facilitate visits/inspections by regulators (HSE, HIQA, etc). Ensure that any actions required are completed within specified timeframes.

• Ensure all accident and incidents are reported to Director of Nursing and assist in providing all relevant backup.
• Be fully aware of and comply with the fire and emergency procedures within the home and comply with standards
• Comply with all health, safety and welfare statutory requirements
• Ensure that all appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is in suitable condition and worn by self and catering staff at all times while on duty.
• Apply all health and safety training including manual handling techniques

CareChoice