Kitchen Assistant

The Methodist Church in Britain; Hawkesley; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Strong career progression

Expert supervision and support

Employee referral scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Employee discount scheme

Free meal on shift

Job summary

Cygnet Wast Hills is seeking a Kitchen Assistant to support residents with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs. You will help prepare and serve meals, perform basic food prep, and keep the kitchen hygienic, while handling ingredients, stock and deliveries as part of a seven-day rota.

The role requires an enhanced DBS check and care setting experience is preferred; 40 hours per week across four 10-hour shifts from 7am to 5pm, with a supportive, team-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in catering or food service preferred.
• Willingness to learn and work well in a team.
• Polite, professional manner with a positive attitude.
• Good communication with staff and residents at all levels.
• Able to work on own initiative and under supervision.
• Diligent with high cleanliness and hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve balanced, appetising meals.
• Carry out basic food preparation and kitchen duties.
• Wash utensils and dishes and store them appropriately.
• Sort, store and distribute ingredients.
• Check deliveries and assist with stock ordering.
• Maintain personal hygiene and keep the kitchen clean and hygienic.
• Handle, maintain and store kitchen equipment per procedures.
• Use chemicals in line with COSHH regulations.
• Contribute to a welcoming environment for the people supported.

Skills

Catering passion

Enthusiasm to learn

Polite professional demeanour

Excellent communication

Initiative with supervision

High cleanliness standards

Job description

This Kitchen Assistant role sits in the kitchen at Cygnet Wast Hills, a service supporting men with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs. The work centres on preparing and serving meals, keeping ingredients, equipment and the kitchen hygienic, and using COSHH-controlled chemicals. Hours are 40 a week across four 10-hour shifts on a seven-day rota, from 7am to 5pm, in a service with independent and communal living spaces. An enhanced DBS check is required, and care setting experience is preferred.

What the job involves

• Help prepare and serve balanced, appetising meals
• Carry out basic food preparation, cooking and kitchen duties
• Wash utensils and dishes and store them appropriately
• Sort, store and distribute ingredients
• Check deliveries and assist with stock ordering
• Maintain personal hygiene and keep the kitchen clean and hygienic
• Handle, maintain and store kitchen equipment in line with Cygnet procedures
• Use chemicals in line with COSHH regulations
• Contribute to a welcoming environment for the people supported

What’s required

Skills & knowledge

• Passion for catering
• Enthusiasm, willingness to learn and an active team approach
• Polite, professional manner with a positive attitude
• Excellent communication with people at all levels
• Able to work on own initiative and under supervision
• Diligent, with high standards of cleanliness

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS check

Nice to have

• Experience within a care setting

What’s offered

• Pension scheme
• Strong career progression opportunities
• Expert supervision and support
• Employee referral scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount scheme
• Free meal on shift