Overview
In your role as a Kitchen Assistant at HC-One, you’ll value one thing above all: kindness. It’s the thread that runs through everything we do in our Dementia, Nursing, Residential, and Specialist care homes. Every person who works with us understands that our Residents are individuals with their own life experiences, families, and stories. By joining HC-One, you’ll have the chance to make a meaningful difference every day — giving something back to those who have given so much throughout their lives.
As a Kitchen Assistant, you’ll play an essential role in delivering high-quality care through food. You’ll help prepare and serve nutritious, well-balanced meals that support the health and wellbeing of our Residents — many of whom have specific dietary needs.
Responsibilities
* Assisting with meal preparation under the direction of the Chef or Cook
* Serving meals with warmth and respect in a timely and friendly manner
* Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen, including equipment and surfaces
* Monitoring and recording food storage temperatures (fridges, freezers, etc.)
* Supporting stock rotation and ensuring ingredients are properly stored
* Showing new team members how to safely use kitchen equipment
* Washing up and ensuring the kitchen remains spotless — even after a busy lunch rush
Qualifications
We’re looking for someone with some kitchen experience and a real passion for helping others. You’ll need either:
* An NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation, or
* A willingness to work towards it.
Essential skills include strong organisational ability, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to follow recipes and record information accurately. Most importantly, every interaction with a Resident or co-worker should show patience, respect, and genuine kindness. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility; you should be able to recognise signs of potential abuse, harm, or neglect and know what to do if concerns arise. All colleagues must attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role and undertake additional training in related areas. You also have the ability to seek appropriate advice and report concerns, including escalation if action is not taken.
About HC-One
At HC-One, kindness is more than a word—it’s a way of life. We believe that caring for people means caring about what matters most to them, so we can support them to live their best possible lives. We bring five key qualities to the workplace, which we call Kindness the HC-One Way:
* We are curious—asking questions, seeking to understand.
* We are compassionate—walking in the shoes of others.
* We are creative—finding practical ways to make things happen.
* We are courageous—supporting residents to live the life they choose.
* We are dependable—people can always count on us.
We champion inclusivity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are enhancing our support for residents through digital care planning and are looking for colleagues who are comfortable with technology—or willing to learn. You’ll be supported every step of the way and offered clear career pathways and ongoing professional development.
Please note: We can only consider applications from individuals who already have the full right to work in the UK. We cannot offer sponsorship or accept applications from those on a time-limited visa. Applications that do not meet this criteria will not be progressed.
Benefits
* Hourly rate is subject to experience and qualifications
* Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG
* Free uniform
* During a shift of eight hours or more a nutritious meal will be available
* Company pension scheme
* 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
* Group life assurance cover
* Wagestream - financial wellbeing and flexible access to pay as you need it
* Award-winning learning and development and support to achieve qualifications
* GP online - round-the-clock GP consultation via an app (for you and your children under 16)
* Opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues as part of an outstanding and committed team
* Colleague discounts – access to over 1600 high street discounts
* Wellbeing - independent Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 support for family and personal issues)
* Recognition schemes such as ‘Kindness in Care’ and Long Service Awards
* Refer a friend scheme – up to £1000 per referral, depending on the role
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