Assistant Cook

Job description

The short breaks service for children with disabilities within City of York Council have an exciting opportunity for an assistant cook to join our team.

You will be responsible for the preparation and cooking of meals within the home, including the preparation of special dietary meals, including ketogenic diets; high calorie diets/intake; gluten-free; dairy-free; casein-free, nut-free; vegetarian and autism specific individual meals ie brand, colour, texture, size, temperature and presentation.

This role will be to work opposite the cook but working together on consulting with the children and young people, to develop menus and food choices.

You will support the cook and be involved in the ongoing development of the menu.

You will support the cook with Ordering of food stock and checking/taking delivery. Regular rotating of stock and stock checks, Daily checks of equipment to include fridge/freezer temperatures and all equipment used, and maintaining high levels of Health Safety and hygiene.

In addition, you will support the cook and be involved in the development of policies, procedures and practices, whilst improving on existing ones.

You will have Basic Food Hygiene Certificate and a level 2 or 3 qualification in catering, or willingness to work towards such qualifications.

City of York Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We require the successful candidate to undertake an enhanced Criminal Record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The Council is committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives and a reward package which recognises your contribution. We can offer flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development. In addition we also offer a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.

For further information or an informal discussion please contact Wendy Berkett, Deputy Manager, [email protected] or on 07748933237.

Closing date: Wednesday 18 November 2026 at 12 midnight

Interview date: Friday 27 November 2026