Day Centre – Cook
Perth And Kinross Association Of Voluntary Service Limited
The Carers Centre, Lewis Place, Perth PH1 3BD
Full-time
January 2026 DAY SERVICES – COOK – JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Salary: Day Centre – Cook £22,932 (pro rata) plus benefits (Salary will increase to £24,479 from 1 April in line with the new Real Living Wage.) Hours of Work: 25 hours per week (Mon- Fri 9am to 2pm) Location: The Carers Centre, Lewis Place, Perth PH1 3BD Contract Type: Permanent Responsible to: Registered manager for the Day Centre Responsible for: No Direct Reports but may coach volunteers. About PKAVS PKAVS is a long-standing local charity, rooted in Perth & Kinross since 1972. We exist to help people flourish and communities thrive. Every day, we walk alongside those we support, helping them feel connected, valued, and able to shape the things that matter in their lives and communities. At PKAVS, you’ll join an inclusive and supportive team culture built on compassion, togetherness, honest communication, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact. When you work with us, you become part of something meaningful - helping to create a place where everyone has the chance to live a fulfilled life. Make a real difference through food! As our Cook, you'll use your skills to bring joy, comfort and great meals to the people we support every day. If you love cooking, enjoy creating warm, welcoming experiences, and want your work to genuinely brighten someone’s day, this could be the perfect role for you. What makes this role great for you: ✓ No evenings, split shifts or weekends - enjoy a fantastic work-life balance. ✓ Freedom to use your creativity and design your own menus. ✓ A warm, supportive team who value good food and good people. ✓ Our kitchen is well equipped and organised, giving you the space to work efficiently and enjoyably. We provide all tools, equipment and support you need to succeed. ✓ A role where your cooking truly enhances someone’s wellbeing. ‑ Plus, you’ll enjoy a great range of benefits: ✓ Generous 7-week holiday allowance. ✓ Enhanced company sick pay. ✓ Pension scheme contribution. ✓ Access to an Employee Assistance Programme for mental and physical wellbeing. 1 January 2026 DAY SERVICES – COOK – JOB DESCRIPTION ✓ Blue Light Card discounts. ✓ Flexible and family-friendly working arrangements. • Ongoing training and development opportunities The role Our Day Service gives unpaid carers a much-needed break, while those who attend enjoy a warm, welcoming space to socialise and support their wellbeing. As our Cook, you’ll run a friendly, well-equipped kitchen and create delicious, nutritious meals that people look forward to. You’ll have the freedom to plan varied menus, bring your ideas, and cook with purpose - knowing your food makes a meaningful difference every day. With no weekend or evening shifts, this is a stable and rewarding daytime role. You’ll oversee the full running of the kitchen, preparing and serving a three-course lunch for up to 20 people, Monday to Friday, helping to create a homely atmosphere where good food brings people together. Key Duties and Responsibilities Your responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following: ✓ Create varied, seasonal and nutritious menus with plenty of room for creativity. ✓ Cook and serve high quality three course lunches for up to 20 people. ✓ Ensure the kitchen is clean, safe, and welcoming. ‑ ‑ ✓ Manage stock, ordering and budgets with support from the team. ✓ Support and guide volunteers in the kitchen. ✓ Chat with clients and help create a homely, friendly atmosphere. ✓ Support occasional special events (e.g., celebrations, coffee mornings). ✓ Maintain required food safety and kitchen records. Person specification Competency Qualifications and experience Skills and Knowledge Definition A recognised catering qualification. First Aid certificate. Food Hygiene Certificate. Proven experience in a catering or kitchen environment. Ability to use initiative, organise own workload and work unsupervised. Essential Desirable ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 2 January 2026 DAY SERVICES – COOK – JOB DESCRIPTION Ability to support clients with physical and/or mental disabilities in a caring and empathetic manner. Experience of supervising or supporting volunteers. Practical awareness of Health and Safety legislation, including food hygiene. Knowledge and understanding of stock control, planning, working on a budget, and other administrative procedures required in running the day services kitchen. Basic knowledge of Microsoft packages e.g., Word, Outlook, etc. ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ If you’re compassionate, friendly, and empathetic - and you’re reliable, punctual, and happy working both independently and as part of a team - then this could be the perfect role for you. If you love cooking and want to make a positive difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you! Additional Information Employer: Location of Work: Responsible To: Responsible for: Probation: Induction: Offer of Employment: The post-holder will be employed by Perth & Kinross Association of Voluntary Service Ltd. (a registered charity in Scotland SC 005561). The Carers Centre, Lewis Place, Perth PH1 5PP Day Services Manager No Direct reports This position carries a 6-month probationary period. A planned Induction Programme will be offered together with relevant job specific training. An offer of appointment will be made subject to two satisfactory references and eligibility to work in the UK. Support and Supervision: You’ll receive regular support from the Service Managers. Holidays PKAVS determines annual leave entitlement in hours and not days to ensure equity for all employees by ensuring that staff who work variable hours/shifts do not receive either more or less leave than colleagues who work a standard shift pattern. Upon appointment - 238 hours Equivalent to 34 days (28 days annual leave and 6 public holidays) After 2 years of continuous service - 252 hours 3 January 2026 DAY SERVICES – COOK – JOB DESCRIPTION Equivalent to 36 days (30 days annual leave and 6 public holidays) After 3 years of continuous service - 273 hours Equivalent to 39 days (33 days annual leave and 6 public holidays) The annual leave hours stated above are based on you working full-time. This will be calculated on a pro rata basis for part time staff. Pension Scheme: PKAVS Ltd operates an auto enrolment pension scheme. PKAVS values everyone as an individual We define diversity as valuing each person’s uniqueness and what makes us who we are. We are committed to creating a great place to work where everyone feels valued and able to play to their strengths in the delivery of our charitable purpose. We promote diversity and inclusion in employment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy, maternity, race, religion, or belief. 4