Kitchen Assistant

HC-One Ltd.; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care organization in Stoke-on-Trent is seeking a dedicated Kitchen Assistant to help prepare and serve nutritious meals that support the health and wellbeing of our residents. Responsibilities include assisting with meal prep, maintaining kitchen hygiene, and monitoring food storage temperatures. Candidates should have kitchen experience, a passion for helping others, and a willingness to work towards an NVQ2 in Catering. Join us in delivering exceptional care and support in a compassionate environment.

Benefits

Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG

Free uniform

Nutritious meal during shifts over eight hours

Company pension scheme

28 days annual leave including bank holidays

Financial wellbeing support

Award-winning learning and development

24/7 GP online service

Colleague discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Recognition schemes

Refer-a-friend scheme up to £1,000

Qualifications

• Must have kitchen experience and a real passion for helping others.
• Willingness to work towards an NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation.
• Ability to recognise signs of possible abuse, harm, or neglect.

Responsibilities

• Assist with meal preparation under the Chef's direction.
• Serve meals with warmth and respect.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen.
• Monitor and record food storage temperatures.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Strong organisational skills

Attention to detail

Ability to follow recipes accurately

Kindness and respect in interactions

Education

NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation

Job description

As a Kitchen Assistant, you'll play an essential role in delivering high-quality care through food. You'll help prepare and serve nutritious, well-balanced meals that support the health and wellbeing of our Residents – many of whom have specific dietary needs.

• Assisting with meal preparation under the direction of the Chef or Cook
• Serving meals with warmth and respect in a timely and friendly manner
• Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen, including equipment and surfaces
• Monitoring and recording food storage temperatures (fridges, freezers, etc.)
• Supporting stock rotation and ensuring ingredients are properly stored
• Showing new team members how to safely use kitchen equipment
• Washing up and ensuring the kitchen remains spotless – even after a busy lunch rush

Everything you do will reflect your care for the Residents, always keeping their comfort and dignity front of mind.

Qualifications and Experience

We’re looking for someone with kitchen experience and a real passion for helping others. You’ll need:

• An NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation, or a willingness to work towards it.
• Strong organisational skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to follow recipes and record information accurately.
• The ability to show patience, respect, and genuine kindness when interacting with Residents or co‑workers.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. You must be able to recognise signs of possible abuse, harm or neglect in its different forms, know what to do if concerns arise, attend safeguarding training appropriate to your role, and undertake additional training in associated areas. You should also be able to seek appropriate advice, report concerns, and undertake escalation if action is not taken.

About HC-One

At HC-One, kindness is more than a word—it’s a way of life. We believe that caring for people means caring about what matters most to them, so we can support them to live their best possible lives. To provide the kindest possible care, everyone at HC-One brings and nurtures five key qualities – what we call Kindness the HC‑One Way.

• We are curious – asking questions, seeking to understand.
• We are compassionate – walking in the shoes of others.
• We are creative – finding practical ways to make things happen.
• We are courageous – supporting residents to live the life they choose.
• And we are dependable – people can always count on us.

We champion inclusivity, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves. Our diverse workforce helps us learn from one another and better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds into our HC-One family and prioritise inclusive working practices across everything we do. We are also enhancing the way we support residents through digital care planning, and we look for team members who are comfortable with technology—or open to learning.

Benefits

• Hourly rate is subject to experience and qualifications.
• Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG
• Free uniform
• During a shift of eight hours or more, a nutritious meal will be available
• Company pension scheme
• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Group life assurance cover
• Wagestream – financial wellbeing and flexible access to pay as you need it
• Award‑winning learning and development and support to achieve qualifications.
• GP online – a service providing around the clock GP consultation via an interactive app – available to you and your children under 16
• An opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues as part of an outstanding and committed team.
• Colleague discounts – access to over 1600 high‑street discounts including carefully selected discount partners.
• Wellbeing – free of charge access to an independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme, providing 24/7 365 support for a whole range of issues including physical, mental and financial issues.
• Excellent recognition schemes such as ‘Kindness in Care’ and long‑service awards
• An attractive refer‑a‑friend scheme of up to £1,000 per referral, depending on the role