Kitchen Assistant

Methodist Home For the Aging Corporation; Attenborough; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday incl. bank holidays

Pension scheme & life assurance

Free DBS checks & uniforms

Counselling & chaplaincy support

Flexible options to buy/sell annual le

Blue Light Card & discounts

Induction & ongoing training

Long service awards

Job summary

The Herons care home in Toton is seeking a Kitchen Assistant on a fixed-term, part-time basis to support our catering team in Nottingham. You will help the Cook prepare meals, ensure safety and cleanliness, and support residents with nutritious, well-presented dishes.

We welcome dependable, caring team players who hold a basic food hygiene certificate; experience in food prep is a bonus. This role offers 35 hours per week, a competitive hourly rate and opportunities for training and development

Qualifications

• A basic food hygiene certificate (essential).
• Previous experience in basic food preparation (desirable).
• Good communication and listening skills.
• The ability to follow instructions and prioritise tasks effectively.
• A positive, flexible approach to work.
• Sensitivity to the needs of older people and a commitment to quality service.
• Willingness to undertake training and development.
• A QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care is desirable but not essential, as training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Support the Cook with food prep, serving meals, washing up.
• Store crockery and utensils safely.
• Keep kitchen areas clean and tidy per schedules.
• Dispose of waste safely and hygienically.
• Ensure supplies of cleaning and washing-up materials.
• Assist with laundry tasks for kitchen linen.
• Follow COSHH, food hygiene, health & safety, and infection control.

Skills

Basic food hygiene

Communication skills

Listening skills

Follow instructions

Flexible approach

Education

QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care

Job description

(FIXED TERM) Kitchen Assistant based at The Herons, Nottingham

Job Reference

REQ028970

Date posted

17 September 2026

Closing date

1 October 2026

Location

Nottingham, NG9 6GY

Location: The Herons, NottinghamHours: Fixed Term - Part Time - 35 hours per week

(12 months to cover absent post)Salary: £13.45 per hour

For this role, we are currently considering candidates who live within approximately 15 miles of the Service. This ensures commutes are manageable and support your wellbeing and work-life balance. If you live outside this area but would still find the commute manageable, please get in touch – we are happy to review individual circumstances.

About the role

We are looking for a reliable and enthusiastic Kitchen Assistant to join our catering team at MHA. This is a valued role, supporting the Cook to deliver nutritious, well-presented meals that meet residents’ dietary needs while helping to maintain a clean, safe and welcoming kitchen environment.

As a Kitchen Assistant, you will play an important part in supporting residents’ health and wellbeing, working in line with food safety standards and MHA’s values of care, respect and dignity.

What you will do

• Support the Cook with food preparation, serving meals, washing up and storing crockery and utensils safely.
• Keep all areas of the kitchen clean and tidy in line with cleaning schedules and the Food Safety Manual.
• Dispose of waste food safely and hygienically.
• Ensure adequate supplies of cleaning and washing-up materials are available.
• Assist with laundry tasks for kitchen linen.
• Follow COSHH, food hygiene, health & safety and infection prevention requirements at all times.
• Respect residents’ privacy, dignity and choice.
• Attend training, supervision, appraisals and staff meetings as required.

About you

We are looking for someone who is dependable, caring and enjoys working as part of a team.

You will bring:

• A basic food hygiene certificate (essential).
• Previous experience of basic food preparation (desirable).
• Good communication and listening skills.
• The ability to follow instructions and prioritise tasks effectively.
• A positive, flexible approach to work.
• Sensitivity to the needs of older people and a commitment to quality service.
• Willingness to undertake training and development.
• A QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care is desirable but not essential, as training will be provided.

Why join MHA?

You will be joining an organisation with strong values and a supportive culture, where every role contributes to helping people live later life well. At MHA, catering teams play a vital part in residents’ daily enjoyment and wellbeing.

Rewards and benefits

In addition to a competitive hourly rate, you will enjoy:

• 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) and an option to buy annual leave (pro-rota for part time)
• A strong pension scheme and life assurance
• Free DBS checks and uniforms
• Confidential counselling, chaplaincy support and access to our hardship fund
• Flexible options to buy or sell annual leave, plus family-friendly policies
• Discounts through the Blue Light Card, Health Service Discounts and the Vivup app
• A full induction, ongoing training and development opportunities
• Long service awards to celebrate your contribution

About the Service

The Herons care home in Toton

The Herons is a welcoming home where colleagues share a clear commitment to person centred care. The team environment is supportive and collaborative, helping new colleagues settle quickly and feel part of a united group.

Colleagues play a key role in creating a calm and friendly atmosphere that promotes dignity, independence and wellbeing. Guided by MHA’s charitable ethos, the home encourages openness, compassion and professional growth.

For job seekers looking for work with purpose in a positive and team focused setting, The Herons offers a rewarding place to build a long-term career.

For more information about the home, please clickhere

Please note that interviews may take place prior to the closing date and if a suitable candidate is appointed the role may close early.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

MHA are fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as this is embedded in our values: respect, nurture and inspire. In addition, as a committed employer we have been awarded level 2 under the Disability Confident Scheme.

More about our EDI commitments