Kitchen Assistant

Orchard Care Homes; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care home provider in Sunderland is seeking a Kitchen Assistant to support meal preparation and deliver a positive dining experience for residents. The ideal candidate will have experience in a kitchen, particularly in care homes, and possess strong communication and caring skills. This full-time role offers competitive pay and the chance for training and growth.

Benefits

Excellent training and progression opportunities

Recognition schemes

Free uniform

Free DBS

Access to 24/7 Employee Support Hub

Competitive annual leave

Qualifications

• Experience in a care-home setting preferred.
• Demonstrated caring nature to work with residents.
• Ability to communicate professionally.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing meals to individual taste.
• Provide professional service to residents.
• Maintain a clean kitchen environment.

Skills

Cook/Kitchen Assistant experience

Strong communication skills

Caring nature

Flexibility

Job description

Parkhouse Avenue, Castletown, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR5 3DF

Kitchen Assistant

Job Type: Full time – Shift Type: Days – Closing Date: 31 December 2025 – Pay: £12.21 per hour

We’re looking for a Kitchen Assistant to support our care‑home kitchen and help deliver nutritious and personalised meals suitable for all residents.

Why Orchard?

At Orchard Care Homes, our kitchens are the heart of the home, providing delicious, nutritious meals that support residents’ physical and mental well‑being.

We value the following core values: Enjoy Life, Welcoming, Kind, Professional, Positive & Respectful.

Job Role

As a Kitchen Assistant, you’ll help deliver personalised menu plans for residents, ensuring dignity, privacy, independence and choice. You will assist with the preparation of a range of meals, engage with residents in a friendly manner, and create a positive dining experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing meals to meet individual tastes and dietary requirements.
• Provide a caring and professional service to residents.
• Maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment.
• Support the kitchen team with special dietary needs.
• Engage with residents in a friendly and kind manner.

Qualifications & Experience

• Cook/Kitchen Assistant experience, preferably in a care‑home setting.
• Demonstrated caring nature and ability to work with residents.
• Flexibility, professionalism, and strong communication skills.

Benefits

• Excellent training and progression opportunities.
• Recognition schemes such as ‘Making a Difference’.
• Free uniform and free DBS.
• Access to a 24/7 Employee Support Hub for personal and professional support.
• Competitive annual leave with employer‑contributing pension.

About Lansbury Court Care Home

Lansbury Court is a single‑storey, modern care home located in Castletown, Sunderland. It provides specialist care for both younger adults and older people living with dementia.

EEO Statement

We proudly support the Armed Forces community and welcome applications from veterans, reservists, and military spouses as part of our commitment to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We value the unique skills and experiences that service personnel bring and are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Further Information

To learn more about our benefits and values, visit our website.