Chef – Residential Care Facility

About the role

Join Cygnet’s Oaklands residential service in Hexham and use your culinary skills to improve the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs. You will work full‑time on a 10‑hour shift rota, preparing nutritious meals for patients, staff and visitors while supporting a multidisciplinary team.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve nutritious, balanced meals for patients, staff and visitors.
• Liaise with nursing colleagues to meet patients’ dietary and nutritional needs.
• Maintain cleanliness of the kitchen, service areas and dining room.
• Supervise kitchen staff when deputising for the Head Chef.
• Follow personal hygiene standards and food‑hygiene regulations.
• Handle, maintain and store kitchen equipment according to Cygnet procedures.
• Use chemicals in line with COSHH regulations.

Required profile

• Skilled chef, preferably with experience in the care sector.
• Experience with Dysphagia and IDDSI level diets.
• Holder of a basic food‑hygiene certificate.
• Polite, professional and positive attitude.
• Excellent communicator able to liaise at all levels.
• Capable of working independently, as part of a team and under supervision.

Required skills

• Food hygiene certification.
• Dysphagia diet preparation.
• IDDSI level diet preparation.

What we offer

• £13.70 per hour, rising to £14.00 after 3 months and £14.25 after 18 months.
• 40‑hour week on 10‑hour shifts (8 am‑6 pm) on a rota basis.
• Regular coaching, appraisal and expert supervision.
• Paid breaks and employee discount savings.
• 24‑hour free GP helpline, discounted gym membership and Blue Light Card.
• Free meals on‑site, shopping, travel and leisure discounts.
• Healthcare and financial benefits.