Job Purpose
To support the kitchen team in preparing, serving, and delivering nutritious, high-quality meals to residents while maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness, food safety, and hygiene. The Kitchen Assistant plays an important role in ensuring residents enjoy a safe, pleasant dining experience that meets their dietary and individual needs.
MUST HAVE ENHANCED DBS.
Key Responsibilities
Assist with basic food preparation such as peeling, chopping, portioning, and plating meals
Help prepare drinks, snacks, and special dietary meals as directed
Serve meals to residents in dining areas or deliver to rooms when required
Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment promptly and safely
Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all kitchen and food storage areas
Follow food safety procedures in line with HACCP and care home policies
Store food correctly and monitor stock rotation (FIFO)
Dispose of waste safely and keep workspaces tidy
Support stock control and inform supervisors when supplies are low
Work cooperatively with kitchen and care staff to meet residents’ needs
Treat residents with dignity, respect, and kindness at all times
Person Specification
Essential:
Basic knowledge of food hygiene and safety
Good communication and teamwork skills
Reliable, punctual, and able to work shifts/weekends
Caring and respectful attitude toward older people
Ability to follow instructions and work in a fast-paced environment
Desirable:
Previous kitchen or catering experience
Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 1 or 2)
Experience working in a care home, healthcare, or similar setting
Understanding of special diets (e.g., soft, diabetic, allergen-free)
Skills & Qualities
Organised and efficient
Good attention to detail
Physically able to stand for long periods and lift light loads
Positive, flexible, and willing to help others
Please note this is a temporary position and paid on a weekly basis in arrears