Kitchen Assistant/Cook

Job Purpose

To provide nutritious, well-presented meals, snacks, and refreshments for residents while maintaining high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and kitchen safety. The role includes food preparation, cooking, baking, cleaning, record keeping, and opening and closing the kitchen.

Key ResponsibilitiesFood Preparation & Cooking

• Prepare and serve a variety of meals, snacks, and light refreshments.
• Bake homemade cakes and other baked goods for residents.
• Prepare sandwiches for residents.
• Make hot food for Tea including: Bacon sandwiches, Sausage sandwiches, Chip butties, Beans on toast
• Prepare and cook a traditional cooked breakfast ("fry-up") on Saturdays.
• Ensure food is prepared to a high standard and served in a timely manner.
• Monitor food quality, portion control, and presentation.

Kitchen Operations

• Open the kitchen at the start of shift, ensuring all equipment is functioning correctly.
• Close the kitchen at the end of shift, ensuring all cleaning and security procedures are completed.
• Receive and store deliveries correctly following food safety requirements.
• Rotate stock using date management procedures.

Cleaning & Hygiene

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen and food storage areas.
• Clean all kitchen equipment, work surfaces, utensils, and appliances.
• Follow COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) procedures when using cleaning products.
• Ensure cleaning schedules are completed and signed.

Health & Safety

• Comply with all Food Hygiene Regulations and Health & Safety procedures.
• Wear appropriate protective clothing and maintain excellent personal hygiene.
• Report any maintenance issues, accidents, hazards, or food safety concerns immediately.

Record Keeping & Documentation

• Complete daily kitchen paperwork accurately.
• Record and monitor fridge and freezer temperatures.
• Complete cleaning records and food safety checks.
• Maintain food stock records where required.
• Ensure all documentation is completed in accordance with care home policies.

Skills & ExperienceEssential

• Basic cooking and food preparation skills.
• Knowledge of food hygiene and safe food handling practices.
• Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively.
• Good communication skills.
• Reliable, flexible, and punctual.
• Ability to complete paperwork accurately.

Desirable

• Previous experience working in a care home, catering, café, or kitchen environment.
• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above).
• COSHH awareness or training.

Personal Qualities

• Friendly and caring approach towards residents.
• Good organisation and time management skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Positive team player with a willingness to help others.

Staff Personal Standards

• Appropriate clothing must be worn in the kitchen, e.g., hat, apron etc.
• Long hair must be tucked under a hair net or tied back.
• A clean uniform must be worn daily, and a plastic apron used if deemed necessary.
• Rings, watches, necklaces, and earrings must not be worn.

Benefits

• Hastee
• Cycle to work
• Eligible for Blue light card
• Employee wellbeing line
• Employee recognition programmes - Employee of the month and Meal on us

The above key result areas are considered to be a broad representation and not necessarily a comprehensive list. Additional responsibilities will be agreed from time to time as the needs of the Home dictate. Any major variation to the key tasks will be the subject of discussion and agreement between the post holder and the Management.

Salary: To be confirmed

• One weekday per week: 8:00am - 6:00pm
• Every Saturday: 7:00am - 5:00pm
• 20 hours per week

Cover Extra Shifts when needed I.e Sickness and Annual leave

Work remotely

• No

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 20.0 per week

Benefits:

• Company pension
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person