Kitchen Assistant

Cucumber Catering; Oxford; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Uniform provided

Free first DBS check

Ongoing training and professional dev

Holiday pay

Job summary

Cucumber Catering is seeking an Agency Kitchen Assistant to support care homes around Oxford. You will assist in meal preparation, ensure menus align with dietary needs and maintain high hygiene standards. Ideal candidates have UK care-home experience, a caring approach and a DBS check.

This agency role offers weekly pay, DBS provided and ongoing opportunities across local care settings. Flexibility across multiple sites, reliability and teamwork are essential as you may cover different shifts

Qualifications

• Previous UK-based experience in a care home or care setting is essential.
• UK-based experience as Kitchen Assistant or similar role.
• Caring and compassionate approach when working with vulnerable adults.
• Good understanding of food hygiene, health & safety and kitchen procedures.
• Awareness of allergies, dietary requirements and nutritional needs.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Reliable, punctual and adaptable to different environments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Enhanced DBS check required (free first DBS available).
• Availability for the duration of the assignment.
• Minimum of 6 months experience in a UK-based Kitchen Assistant role.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation, cooking and serving of meals to care home residents.
• Support the kitchen team with the smooth running of daily catering operations.
• Follow menus, portion sizes and dietary requirements carefully.
• Take extra care when preparing meals for individuals with allergies, intolerances or specific dietary needs.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the kitchen and dining areas.
• Clean and sanitise kitchen equipment, surfaces and work areas in line with food hygiene requirements.
• Follow all health & safety, food safety and safeguarding procedures.
• Work respectfully and professionally around vulnerable adults, residents and staff.
• Help create a positive, friendly and supportive environment.
• Carry out other general kitchen duties as required.

Skills

Caring and compassionate approach

Reliable and punctual

Teamwork

Good communication skills

Food hygiene awareness

Job description

Care Homes – Agency Kitchen Assistant

Location: Care Homes in and around Oxford.
Pay Rate: £12.71–£15.00 per hour
Job Type: Agency / Temporary & Fixed-Term Opportunities
Pay: Weekly

Are you an experienced Kitchen Assistant who enjoys working in care settings? Do you understand the importance of providing nutritious, well-presented meals while creating a safe, caring and welcoming environment?

We are looking for reliable, caring and hardworking Kitchen Assistants to support our clients across local care homes. Previous experience working within a care home or other care-focused environment is essential, as you will be working vulnerable adults.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who takes pride in their work, works well as part of a team and understands that working in a care environment requires patience, compassion and a strong sense of responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation, cooking and serving of meals to care home residents.
• Support the kitchen team with the smooth running of daily catering operations.
• Follow menus, portion sizes and dietary requirements carefully.
• Take extra care when preparing meals for individuals with allergies, intolerances or specific dietary needs.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the kitchen and dining areas.
• Clean and sanitise kitchen equipment, surfaces and work areas in line with food hygiene requirements.
• Follow all health & safety, food safety and safeguarding procedures.
• Work respectfully and professionally around vulnerable adults, residents and staff.
• Help create a positive, friendly and supportive environment.
• Carry out other general kitchen duties as required.

Essential Experience & Requirements

• Previous UK based experience working in a care home or similar care setting is essential.
• Previous UK based experience as a Kitchen Assistant, Catering Assistant or similar role.
• A genuine caring and compassionate approach when working with vulnerable adults.
• Good understanding of food hygiene, health & safety and kitchen procedures.
• Awareness of the importance of allergies, dietary requirements and nutritional needs.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Reliable, punctual and able to adapt to different working environments.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Enhanced DBS check required (a free first DBS is available).
• Availability for the duration of the assignment/contract.
• Minimum of 6 months experience in a UK based Kitchen Assistant role.

What We Offer

• £12.71–£15.00 per hour, depending on experience and assignment.
• Regular opportunities across care homes.
• Weekly pay.
• Holiday pay.
• Uniform provided.
• Free first DBS check.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• The opportunity to build your experience across education and care environments.
• Support from our friendly agency team.

The Ideal Candidate

We are particularly interested in candidates who have hands-on experience working in care homes and who understand that catering in these environments is about more than simply preparing food.

You will be someone who is caring, patient, dependable and professional, with a genuine commitment to providing a high standard of service to those in your care.