Job Description – Kitchen Assistant
Location: Cardinal Clinic, Hay Farm, Hay Lane, CT14 0EE
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Hours: 3:00pm – 7:30pm (4.5 hours per day)
Days: 7 days per week (rota-based; likely covered by two part-time staff)
Contract: Part-time
Reporting to: Head of Kitchen / Clinic Lead
Role Overview
The Kitchen Assistant provides essential afternoon and evening support within the kitchen and dining areas. Working 4.5 hours per day (3:00pm–7:30pm), the role focuses on supporting dinner service, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring the dining area is fully reset and ready for breakfast service the following morning.
The role is key to delivering a calm, structured, and respectful mealtime experience within a residential healthcare setting. All duties are carried out in line with dietary requirements, allergies, and Eating Disorder Guidelines. Full training is provided.
Key Responsibilities
* Assist the Chef with serving evening meals
* Support a calm, respectful, and structured dinner service
* Clear down the kitchen following dinner service
* Clean and sanitise work surfaces, equipment, and service areas
* Clear dining tables after the evening meal and reset the dining room ready for breakfast
* Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment
* Follow food hygiene, infection control, and health & safety procedures at all times
* Report any maintenance or health & safety concerns promptly
Essential Criteria
* Availability to work 3:00pm – 7:30pm (4.5 hours per shift)
* Willingness to participate in a seven-day rota
* Reliable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team
* Good awareness of cleanliness, hygiene, and safe working practices
* Comfortable working around vulnerable adults
Desirable
* Previous experience in a kitchen, catering, or healthcare setting
* Food Hygiene Certificate (training can be provided)
Training & Support
* Full induction and on-the-job training
* Food hygiene and infection control training
* Ongoing support from the kitchen and wider team
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £12.21 per hour
Expected hours: 9 – 18 per week
Benefits:
* Free parking
Experience:
* Kitchen: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person