Sefton is a diverse and ambitious local authority where Children’s Services are driving forward an exciting journey of improvement. We're proud to be an innovative and forward-thinking place to work, with a dedicated workforce that genuinely cares about making a lasting difference to the lives of our children, young people, and families.

We’re passionate about helping children thrive within their families, and we’re investing in a new edge-of-care offer to make that happen. Our brand-new Residential Children’s Home will deliver short-term respite for children and young people on the edge of care, alongside outreach support for families. With dedicated therapeutic support, the home will provide meaningful interventions aimed at preventing family breakdown.

Job requirements:

We are seeking an experienced cook to join a team of enthusiastic professional. Ideally, you will have experience of working with vulnerable children and young people although not essential, but you must have a desire to work alongside and encourage children  and young people to try new and healthy alternatives. You must be flexible, motivated and committed and have the ability to provide varied and nutritional meals and understand dietary requirements and food allergens.

Due to the nature of work the above post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and relevant care/safeguarding legislation and appointment will only be confirmed if a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure is obtained from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS).

You must be flexible, motivated, and committed, with a passion for improving the lives children and their families. Your working pattern will include evenings and weekends.

Our offer to you:

• A comprehensive induction programme and high level of training, support and supervision.
• 28 days annual leave rising to 32 days with 5 years continual service and 8 bank holidays
• Enhanced sick pay scheme, maternity/adoption leave pay and maternity support leave
• Health benefits including free eye tests and where appropriate, contribution towards spectacles, discounted gym membership with all Active Sefton gyms and cycle to work scheme
• Occupational Health Service available to advise on work related health issues including CBT sessions
• Commitment to supporting your emotional and mental health with access to a free and confidential employee counselling service

What we want from you:

• A committed professional who places children at the heart of what they do
• Ideally have appropriate experience and skills in working with children and families

• You will hold a City & Guilds or NVQ Level 2, or equivalent qualification, in Food Preparation and cooking or comparable experience

• Be of good integrity and good character
  
  

If you would like an informal chat about this post, please contact Simon Fisher, Service Manager on 07815 465529 or simon.fisher@sefton.gov.uk

Closing Date - 04/01/2026

Provisional Interview Date - W/C 12/01/1026

Equal Opportunities

Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us, our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations, and we are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody’s identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential. We are always open to learning and growing as an organisation, and we welcome new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role.

GUARANTEED INTERVIEW SCHEME

Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview.

If you are currently in care or have previously been in care, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for care experienced people if you meet the essential requirements for the role.