We are now looking for a kind and reliable Chef for our Swords Home, to ensure food and beverages are prepared to the standard directed and in line with the HACCP system in place in CareChoice.
General Responsibilities: 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.
Specific Duties Financial Efficiently and effectively control the operation of the central kitchen under the direction of the General Services Manager Assist in maximizing revenues, cost percentages and menu structure through the efficient management of the agreed budgets. Conduct annual review of performance against budget.
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.
Staff Management 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 Menu Development 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.
Food Safety 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.
Health and Safety 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
