Job Description
Location: The Elms Hemel Hempstead
Salary: £16.25 an hour
Hours: Saturday and/or Sunday 6 hours Every weekend/every other weekend. (approx. 2pm to 7pm but negotiable)
Reports to: Elms Head Chef
Closing date: 18th January 2026. We may close the advert or start interviews before the closing date based on the applicants we recieve.
About the Role
DENS is looking for a passionate and experienced Cook to join our team at The Elms, our 44-bedroom mixed hostel. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys working independently and wants to make a tangible difference in the lives of our residents through nutritious, high-quality food.
Key Responsibilities
- Meal Preparation: Safely produce high-quality hot meals, desserts, and drinks, ensuring they are nutritional, varied, and follow agreed meal plans.
- Safety & Compliance: Maintain strict Health & Safety standards and keep the Safer Food Better Business for Caterers records updated.
- Kitchen Management: Manage food prep, minimize waste, keep catering areas clean and well-stocked, and liaise with the Head Chef.
- Allergen Awareness: Ensure all dietary requirements and common allergens are managed with total accuracy.
About you
- Experience: Previous experience in a kitchen (schools, colleges, or care homes is a plus) and the ability to work confidently on your own.
- Qualifications: A current Food Hygiene Certificate is essential. A recognized catering qualification or equivalent professional experience is required.
- Skills: Strong verbal communication and a passion for simple, wholesome, and well-presented food.
- Values: A commitment to excellent customer service and a supportive attitude toward our residents.
This role is subject to safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check.
Benefits
25 days or equivalent annual leave
Flexible working environment
Medicash plan, including Virtual GP, some dental and optical cover
Employee assistance programme - 24/7 mental health support helpline
Professional development and training
NEST pension scheme
How to apply
If you match our criteria, please send your CV, including your Supporting Statement.
For an informal chat or to request a full job discription and person specification, please ring our Accommodation Service Manager, Ruth Osbourne on
