Kitchen Assistant

Inspire Neurocare; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above-market pay

Overtime pay upgrade

Free enhanced DBS check

Employee assistance programme

Career advancement opportunities

Refer a friend bonus

Job summary

Inspire Neurocare is seeking a Kitchen Assistant to support the kitchen team in preparing nutritious meals for adults with complex needs. You will work closely with chefs and therapists to ensure meals meet dietary requirements and high hygiene standards.

You will gain experience in a healthcare setting, handle food prep tasks, and develop skills in food safety, portioning, and stock control while contributing to residents’ wellbeing and recovery. A supportive, caring team environment awaits.

Qualifications

• Experience in a catering environment, either as Kitchen Assistant or Chef.
• Experience in a healthcare or care-based setting.
• Ability to prepare meals for dietary needs and texture-modified diets.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene standards and safe working practices.
• Compassionate with residents and supportive of neurological conditions.
• Flexible, proactive and willing to take on extended tasks beyond standard duties.

Responsibilities

• Assist chefs with daily food prep: chopping, mixing, portioning and assembling ingredients.
• Support with basic cooking tasks under supervision to deliver nutritious meals.
• Ensure meals meet nutritional requirements and adhere to menus and dietary needs.
• Manage stocks and storage, ensure correct labeling and stock rotation.
• Maintain fridge and overall food hygiene records and temperature checks.
• Show sensitivity when interacting with residents with cognitive or physical challenges.

Skills

Catering experience

Healthcare setting

Dietary needs knowledge

Food safety & hygiene

Compassionate attitude

Flexible and proactive

Multi-task under pressure

Job description

Empowering you to be your best with Inspire Neurocare!

Inspire Neurocare offer life-changing neurorehabilitation and specialist nursing care for adults with complex needs. We believe in empowering individuals to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Every day at Inspire Neurocare presents an opportunity to make an impactful contribution, advance your skills and contribute innovative ideas. We pride ourselves on creating a homely atmosphere where every detail matters - including the food we serve.

This role goes beyond traditional Kitchen Assistant duties, providing an enhanced support to our kitchen team and contributing directly to the wellbeing and recovery of our residents. Working closely with chefs, therapists and multidisciplinary teams, you will help ensure that meals are nutritious, well-prepared, and tailored to diverse dietary needs.

Join us and become part of an organisation where your contributions truly make a difference.

We offer our team:

• Generous, above-market rate
• Enhanced overtime rates.
• Free enhanced DBS check
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Opportunities to learn more and move up in your career
• Refer a friend bonus - up to £750 per referral *t&cs apply*

Key Responsibilities:

• Support and assist the chefs with day-to-day food preparation, including chopping, mixing, portioning and assembling ingredients.
• Support with basic cooking tasks under the chef’s supervision, helping to deliver high-quality meals in line with planned menus to ensure that they meet the nutritional and dietary requirements of our residents
• To ensure all food prepared meets Food Hygiene Standards and ensure that safe methods of work are always used
• Manage all stocks and stores ensuring all food is correctly marked and stock rotation systems are in place
• To maintain accurate records to satisfy food hygiene requirement such as fridge temperature checks
• Show sensitivity and awareness when interacting with residents who may have cognitive, physical, or communication challenges.

Your Skills and Expertise:

• Proven experience working within a catering environment either as a Kitchen Assistant or a Chef
• Experience of working in a healthcare or care-based setting
• Be familiar with preparing meals for individuals with special dietary needs, texture-modified diets or specialised nutritional needs
• Working knowledge of health and safety standards, food safety & hygiene regulations and best practices within a Kitchen.
• Compassionate attitude and willingness to support individuals with neurological conditions with a desire to make a difference to their lives.
• Flexible and proactive, with a drive to learn and take on extended tasks beyond the standard kitchen duties.
• Ability to multi-task, work under pressure and on own initiative in a fast-paced environment

• If this sounds like you and you’re looking for a fulfilling role that makes a genuine impact in the lives of others, this rewarding career is for you.

If this sounds like you and you’re looking for a fulfilling role that makes a genuine impact in the lives of others, this rewarding career is for you.