Catering Assistant

Leonard Cheshire; Greater London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday incl. bank holidays

Pay advance up to 40%

Blue Light Card discounts

Contributory pension & life cover

Health cash plan

Food hygiene qualifications support

Free DBS check

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Leonard Cheshire is seeking a part-time Catering Assistant at Athol House in Crystal Palace to help prepare and serve meals with a focus on safety and high hygiene standards. The role offers flexibility across weekdays and alternate weekends, with overtime available.

You will support the kitchen and dining areas, adhering to HACCP/COSHH, and work closely with care teams to tailor menus while following individual dietary needs.

Qualifications

• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to work towards this).
• Previous kitchen or catering experience is advantageous.
• Ability to work flexibly within rostered hours.
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills.
• Understanding of safe food handling and hygiene practices.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Genuine commitment to the values and ethos of Leonard Cheshire.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation and cooking of meals in line with menus and dietary needs.
• Serve food and beverages to customers, ensuring a safe and enjoyable mealtime.
• Support the maintenance of high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen and dining areas, following HACCP and COSHH regulations.
• Work closely with care teams and customers to provide suitable menus.
• Follow individual customer risk assessments, supporting specific needs such as dysphagia or mobility.
• Use kitchen equipment safely and report any faults or supply needs.
• Participate in training, supervision, and team meetings as required.
• Carry out additional reasonable duties as requested by your line manager.

Skills

Food hygiene

Kitchen experience

Flexibility

Literacy & numeracy

Food safety & hygiene

Communication & teamwork

Commitment to Leonard Cheshire values

Job description

£12.84 per hour | Part-time | 15 hours per-week | Athol House

“Helping people enjoy their meals safely and happily – every mealtime is an opportunity to make someone’s day.”

That’s how one of our Catering Assistants describes their role. If you’re enthusiastic about food, enjoy supporting others, and want to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

A home, not just a service

In the heart of Crystal Palace, Athol House provides high-quality person-centred care for up to 21 disabled adults. We support people of all ages to live as they choose. Residents can make the most of life in South London, and take advantage of our fully accessible facilities and beautiful gardens.

Your working hours

This is a part-time role, with flexibility to work across weekdays and alternate weekends as part of a rota.

Overtime available.

Why you’ll love working here

As well as supporting your wellbeing and development, we offer a fantastic range of benefits:

• 28 days holiday per annum inclusive of bank holidays (+1 every year up to 33 days)
• Stream: Access up to 40% of your pay before payday
• Free Blue Light Card: Exclusive discounts and benefits
• Contributory Pension Scheme & competitive life cover
• Health cash plan: Affordable healthcare at your fingertips
• Career development: Opportunities to gain food hygiene qualifications
• Free DBS check
• Employee Assistance Programme – support when you need it most

What you’ll do

• Assist with preparation and cooking of meals in line with menus and dietary needs
• Serve food and beverages to customers, ensuring a safe and enjoyable mealtime
• Support the maintenance of high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen and dining areas, following HACCP and COSHH regulations
• Work closely with care teams and customers to provide suitable menus
• Follow individual customer risk assessments, supporting specific needs such as dysphagia or mobility
• Use kitchen equipment safely and report any faults or supply needs
• Participate in training, supervision, and team meetings as required
• Carry out additional reasonable duties as requested by your line manager

What helps you shine here

• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to work towards this)
• Previous kitchen or catering experience is advantageous
• Ability to work flexibly within rostered hours
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills
• Understanding of safe food handling and hygiene practices
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• A genuine commitment to the values and ethos of Leonard Cheshire

About Leonard Cheshire

Established over 75 years ago, we exist to support disabled people to live, learn, and work as independently as possible.

Leonard Cheshire welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We actively encourage applications from people with a disability, supporting where possible, your requirements for reasonable adjustments.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. A satisfactory disclosure check (PVG membership in Scotland) is required for this post. References will be obtained for all roles.

Visa sponsorship is not available at this time. Applicants must have the unrestricted right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are unable to progress applications from candidates who require sponsorship or are awaiting a visa decision.