Kitchen Assistant

Hill Care Group; Chester-le-Street; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Flexible schedule

Training and development

Pension scheme

Employee recognition scheme

Job summary

Hill Care is seeking a proactive Kitchen Assistant to support the cook with meal preparation, cooking and serving for our residents, including those with special dietary needs such as soft diets and diabetic plans.

You will help maintain high hygiene standards, with full training provided. Prior care-home experience is advantageous; a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate is preferred and you may work towards it.

Qualifications

• Must have Basic Food Hygiene Certificate or willingness to obtain.
• Good communication skills is essential.
• Be a team player and reliable.
• Satisfactory Police Check and, where applicable, POVA List check.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation, cooking and serving of meals.
• Attend staff and client meetings as required.
• Maintain and improve professional knowledge and competence.
• Attend mandatory training days/courses, on or off site.
• Wash dishes and ensure kitchen and dining areas are clean and hygienic.
• Maintain statutory Health and Safety standards in kitchen and dining areas.
• Report illnesses or accidents to Home Manager or Person in Charge.
• Follow Care Centre Health and Safety policy and fire procedures.
• Report faults or hazards to Home Manager or Handyperson.
• Promote safe working practice and the Care Centre's reputation.
• Maintain confidentiality of information gained during duty.
• Notify absence or return to duty promptly.
• Ensure security of the Care Centre at all times.
• Adhere to company policies within timescales.
• Carry out any other tasks as reasonably assigned.

Skills

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate

Good communication skills

Team player

Police Check / POVA list

Experience in care home (desirable)

Job description

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed Kitchen Assistant to join our team. As a Kitchen Assistant at Hill Care, you will assist the cook with the preparation, cooking and serving of meals to create a fulfilling dining experience for all our residents. You will ensure freshly prepared meals are provided to a high standard as well as preparing food for residents who have special dietary requirements such as soft diets and diabetic. You should be reliable, considerate and caring in your approach. Previous experience working within a care environment would be advantageous, ideally you would have a Food Safety Level 2 Certificate or be willing to work towards. Full training will be provided for the role.

About The Role

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
• Good communication skills
• Team player
• Satisfactory Police Check and check against the POVA List (where applicable)

Desired:

• Experience of food preparation for the relevant Client group

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Food Preparation:

1. Assist in the preparation, cooking and serving of meals.

2. Participate in Staff and Client meetings as required.

3. Maintain and improve professional knowledge and competence.

4. Attend mandatory training days/courses, on or off site, as and when required.

5. Wash up after meals. Ensure all crockery and equipment is cleaned and stored appropriately, and that the overall cleaning of the kitchen area (and, where appropriate, the dining areas) is carried out effectively.

6. Ensure statutory Health and Safety standards in the kitchen and dining areas.

7. Report immediately to the Home Manager, or Person in Charge, any illness of an infectious nature or accident incurred by a Client, colleague, self or another.

8. Understand, and ensure the implementation of, the Care Centre’s Health and Safety policy, and Emergency and Fire procedures.

9. Report to the Home Manager, or the Handyperson, any faulty appliances, damaged furniture, equipment or any potential hazard.

10. Promote safe working practice in the Care Centre.

11. Promote and ensure the good reputation of the Care Centre.

12. Ensure that all information of confidential nature gained in the course of duty is not divulged to third parties.

13. Notify the Home Manager, or the Person in Charge, as soon as possible of your inability to report for duty, and also on your return to work from all periods of absence.

14. Ensure the security of the Care Centre is maintained at all times

15. Adhere to all Company policies and procedures within the defined timescales.

16. Ensure all equipment is clean and well maintained.

17. Carry out any other tasks that may be reasonably assigned to you.

This Job Description indicates only the main duties and responsibilities of the post. It is not intended as an exhaustive list.

Required Criteria

• Do you have a basic food/hygiene certificate?

Desired Criteria

• Have you experience in working in a care home or health care setting?
• Have you experience of food preparation for the residents in a care home?

Skills Needed

About The Company

Welcome to Hill Care

At Hill Care, we provide high-quality residential, nursing, and dementia care that’s tailored to the individual needs of each resident and their family.

Our experienced, compassionate teams deliver personalised support in safe, comfortable, and homely surroundings. We promote dignity, choice, and independence, creating an environment where residents feel respected, supported and valued.

Why Join Hill Care?

Choosing a care home is a significant decision—and so is choosing where you work. We understand the emotional impact that transition can have on families, and we’re here to offer the expertise, reassurance and personal support they need.

By joining our team, you'll become part of a group that genuinely puts people first. Whether it’s residential, nursing, or dementia care, we focus on delivering the right support, at the right time, in the right way -and you’ll be central to that mission.

We’re proud of the difference we make every day. If you’re compassionate, dedicated, and ready to grow your career in a supportive environment, we’d love to welcome you to the Hill Care family.

Company Culture

At Hill Care, your work has real meaning. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your career in care, you can make a difference-every single day.

We’re looking for people who are caring, compassionate, and ready to support older and vulnerable people with dignity and respect. If you have a positive, can-do attitude and want to be part of a team that truly values its staff and residents, then you’ve come to the right place.

Grow With Us

Many of our senior leaders began their careers as carers—and we’re proud to support others on that same journey. With a wide range of career paths and progression opportunities, you can build a future that works for you.

We offer:

• A clear route for progression into senior and management roles
• Ongoing training and professional development
• A supportive environment that recognises your contribution
• The chance to work in a well-maintained, high-quality home environment

You’ll be working in our residents’ home—and we never forget that. We maintain high standards of care, and in return, we support our teams to grow and thrive.

Is This You?

If you’re kind, driven, and want a role where you’re truly making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Join Hill Care, and become part of a team that treats people like family.

Company Benefits

We provide professional training, personal development and promotion paths to support and progress you.

Retirement plan and/or pension, Flexible schedule, Employee development programs, Free parking, Competitive salary, Long service recognition, Work With Charities, Social Opportunities, Employee Recognition Scheme

Salary

£12.71 per year