Cook/Chef
Job Introduction
Bring your passion for cooking to a role that truly matters
At Turning Point, every meal you prepare supports someone on their journey toward better mental health. We work with people across England, helping them build confidence, independence and wellbeing — and our cooks play a key part in that experience.
If you love creating good food, enjoy variety in your work and want to make a genuine difference, this could be the perfect next step in your career.
What You’ll Be Doing
As an ad‑hoc Cook, you’ll bring your skills to three of our Manchester services, including:
- Two independent hospitals (Swinton and Didsbury)
- A nursing home (Birchwood)
Every day will look a little different — but your impact will be the same: providing nutritious, comforting meals that support recovery and wellbeing.
Role Responsibility
Your Key Responsibilities
- Preparing and cooking/serving nutritious meals for our patients.
- Keeping kitchen and service areas clean, safe following Health and Safety and Environmental Health standards.
- Managing stock levels and ensuring supplies are replenished.
- Working in a person‑centred way, responding to individual needs and preferences.
- Ordering stock accurately and efficiently.
What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for someone who cares about good food and good people.
The Ideal Candidate
You’ll thrive in this role if you have:
- Strong cooking skills and confidence in preparing a variety of meals.
- A friendly, patient approach with great customer service skills.
- Clear communication skills with colleagues, Service Users and suppliers.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team, meeting set service times being lunch and evening meal.
- Flexibility to adapt to different kitchens and service needs.
- Knowledge of food legislation, H.A.C.C.P, C.O.S.H.H and safe working practices.
- Understanding of allergy requirements and diverse diets (Halal, Kosher, Vegan, etc.).
- Experience working within a catering or food preparation environment.
- NVQ Level 1 & 2 (or equivalent), Food Hygiene Level 2, or City & Guilds 706/1 & 2.
- A basic understanding of the needs of people with mental health conditions.
Why You’ll get great job satisfaction in working with Us
- Your cooking directly supports people’s wellbeing.
- You’ll gain valuable experience across a range of services.
- You’ll be part of a supportive, values‑driven team.
- You’ll have access to training and development to help you grow your career.
- You’ll join an organisation that genuinely cares about its staff and the people we support.
About us
As a leading health and social care provider with more than 300 locations across England, we take real pride in the services we offer.
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.
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.
You will get 31 days’ paid holiday a year, increasing with each year of service up to 33 days. Plus the option to buy additional holidays and spread the cost.
Join our team and discover the comprehensive benefits we offer by following the link below to explore all the exciting perks available to our employees.
Turning Point
