Kitchen Assistant

The Orders of St John Care Trust; Banbury; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local care organisation in Banbury is seeking a passionate Kitchen Assistant to join their catering team. You will prepare meals, ensure kitchen hygiene, and engage with residents to enhance their dining experience. Ideal candidates have great communication skills, an interest in cooking, and a positive attitude. Training will be provided, making this a great opportunity for those new to catering.

Benefits

28 days holiday

Workplace pension

Free uniform

Free DBS

Higher pay on weekends

Employee Assistance Programme

Refer a Friend scheme

Qualifications

• No previous formal catering experience needed, training will be provided.
• Must have a positive can-do attitude and good communication skills.
• Strong focus on kitchen hygiene standards.
• Enjoy being part of a wider team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and assist with meals, snacks, and drinks for residents.
• Maintain high levels of kitchen hygiene and food safety.
• Engage with residents to understand individual needs.
• Support the team to ensure smooth kitchen operations.

Skills

Good communication skills

Interest in cooking

Positive can-do attitude

Engaging with elderly residents

Education

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Overview

Kitchen Assistant. Location: Larkrise Care Centre, Banbury, OX16 0RD. Pay rate: £12.44 per hour (weekend and NVQ enhancements available). Contracted hours: 35 hours per week. Shift times: 7am - 2pm and 2pm - 6.30pm, working alternate weekends.

About the role: We’re currently recruiting for a Kitchen Assistant to join our passionate, hard-working and friendly catering team, to create delicious meals, snacks and drinks for our residents. You’ll get to know our residents, understand their likes and dislikes so that mealtimes are always a highlight of their day. In joining us, you’ll also become part of our extended family. You’ll work alongside other team members who are passionate about providing care, warmth and kindness to all those who live and work in our homes. Tucked away on a quiet street in Banbury, Larkrise Care Centre offers compassionate, individualised care in a calm and friendly setting. We support up to 60 residents with tailored residential, nursing, dementia and respite care — with a particular focus on creating a warm and supportive environment for those living with dementia.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and assist with meals, snacks and drinks for residents in line with dietary requirements and preferences.
• Maintain high levels of kitchen hygiene and food safety in accordance with standards.
• Work with the catering team to deliver meals that are appealing and meet residents’ needs.
• Engage with residents to understand individual needs and contribute to mealtimes being a positive experience.
• Support the wider team to ensure smooth kitchen operations and a warm service.

About You / Qualifications

• You don’t need previous formal catering experience; training will be provided. It would be helpful to hold a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Positive can-do attitude with good communication skills.
• Interest in cooking and strong focus on kitchen hygiene standards.
• Confident in engaging with elderly residents and understanding their individual needs.
• Enjoy being part of a wider team in the home.

Benefits

• 28 days holiday (including Bank Holidays).
• A workplace pension.
• Free uniform.
• Free DBS.
• Higher rates of pay at weekends.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Refer a Friend scheme rewarding you up to £1000 for every recommendation you make who successfully starts working for us.
• Blue Light Card and “My Rewards” programme, offering discounts on shopping, days out, restaurants and much more.