Job Introduction

Birchwood is located in a community setting in Lees, Oldham.

Birchwood is a CQC Registered Nursing Home and offers packages of rehabilitation to 16 adults between the ages of 18 and 65 years, who experience severe and enduring mental health needs. We aspire to work in true partnership with our resident’s.

We recognise that cooking and planning meals is an integral part of the Rehabilitation pathway therefore good food that is nutritionally balanced and varied diet with different choices is high on our agenda.

We are now looking for a committed and enthusiastic Cook to join our team working 37 hours a week, 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year.

If you enjoy making a difference to people’s quality of life, you might just be the person we’re looking for.

Role Responsibility

You will be responsible for cooking an assortment of dishes to suit a variety of dietary needs. As the cook you will be expected to be involved in the individuals we support with their meal choices and menu planning. You will be jointly responsible for the ordering of stock, stock control and the managing of a food budget. 

You will be very much part of the team, attending Community meetings and staff team meetings, as well as all training required.

Ensuring that ‘Safer Food Better Business’ standards are adhered to, you will be responsible for overseeing compliance along with foods standards agency and local area EHO guidelines.

The role will involve preparing and cooking meals, maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, food safety and hygiene and resolving customer queries or requests.

The Ideal Candidate

If you have worked within a catering industry, hold NVQ Level 1 and 2 or equivalent and Food Hygiene Level 2 or City and Guilds/706/1 & 2, then this is the ideal career opportunity for an experienced, talented Chef/Cook.

You should have an understanding of supporting people with a mental health needs and have excellent chef skills with a good technical competence in the preparation and serving of food. You will have a good understanding of allergies legislation and a good knowledge of food diversity including Halal, Kosher and Vegan Diets amongst others, taking into consideration nutritional needs along with Service Users’ preferences.

The Cook at Birchwood will also be jointly responsible for supporting residents with cooking skills by offering individual and group cooking sessions. This will require a Cook who has good interpersonal skills and an ability to motivate and engage those that we support. 

About us

Why Turning Point?

As a leading health and social care provider with more than 300 locations across England, we take real pride in the services we offer.

Across the varied regions, sectors and settings we operate within, our organisation is held together by a shared vision – and our people are connected by the same values. These include belief in potential, confidence in communication, embracing positive change and always treating each other as individuals.

We run all of our services on a not-for-profit basis; instead, we invest every penny back into our services and people. We never stop believing in change for the better, and we work constantly to improve the lives of the people we support.

Our people bring our vision to life. So, if you are enthusiastic, motivated and committed to support others to fulfilling their potential, here at Turning Point, we don't just offer you a job – we offer you a career.

What benefits will I receive?

We know reward looks different to each person and so whether its ways to make your money go further, a culture supporting recognition and celebration, or opportunities to boost your career – we want to support you in every way we can with our total reward package that includes:

• Comprehensive learning and development opportunities so we can invest in your future – we’re proud to have a silver accreditation from Investors in People. Choose from our range of courses to gain recognised qualifications
• 28 days’ paid holiday a year, increasing with each year of service up to 30 days. Plus the option to buy or sell additional holidays and spread the cost
• An exclusive discounts hub for TP colleagues, to help make your money go further – including high street shopping, pubs and restaurants, mobile phones, gym memberships, and much more. You’ll also have access to the Blue Light Card, for even more discounts and savings!
• Flexible working solutions to support your work-life balance
• Life Assurance of up to 3x annual salary and a competitive Pension Scheme to support your savings and security
• Access to our Rightsteps Therapy service – free, confidential telephone based counselling sessions, access to an online wellbeing platform, and a Financial Education hub to support your total wellbeing
• A 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme including a Digital GP, legal advice and more – all free to you and your immediate family
• Recognition awards to recognise colleagues’ inspirational work and dedication, as well as Long Service bonuses to celebrate your commitment to us
• Flexible benefit options including a Cycle to Work scheme and interest-free Season Ticket Loans
• A £300 bonus if you successfully refer a friend as a new colleague through our Refer a Friend scheme, as a thanks from us!

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closing date. 

Turning Point