Kitchen Assistant

HC-One Ltd; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading care home provider in Tees Valley is seeking a compassionate Kitchen Assistant to assist with meal preparation, serve meals, and maintain kitchen hygiene. Ideal candidates will have some kitchen experience and a passion for helping others. This role offers opportunities for personal and professional development while ensuring the comfort and dignity of residents.

Benefits

Hourly rate based on experience

Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG

Free uniform

Nutritious meal during shifts

Company pension scheme

28 days annual leave including bank holidays

Life assurance cover

Wagestream financial wellbeing

Learning and development support

Online GP services

Access to high street discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Recognition schemes

Refer-a-friend scheme

Qualifications

• Basic kitchen experience and willingness to learn.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow recipes and record information accurately.

Responsibilities

• Assist with meal preparation under direction.
• Serve meals warmly and respectfully.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and hygiene.
• Monitor food storage temperatures.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Education

NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation

Job description

Overview

In your role as a Kitchen Assistant at HC-One, you’ll value one thing above all: kindness. It’s the thread that runs through everything we do in our Dementia, Nursing, Residential, and Specialist care homes. Every person who works with us understands that our Residents are individuals with their own life experiences, families, and stories. By joining HC-One, you’ll have the chance to make a meaningful difference every day — giving something back to those who have given so much throughout their lives.

Please be aware this is for bank hours only.

Responsibilities

• 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 Requirements

We’re looking for someone with some kitchen experience and a real passion for helping others. You’ll need either 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 are essential. And most importantly, every time you interact with a Resident or co-worker, you’ll show patience, respect, and genuine kindness.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and therefore it is important that you are able to recognise the signs which may indicate possible abuse, harm or neglect in its different forms and know what to do if there are any concerns. All colleagues are required to attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role and to undertake additional training in associated areas. You also have the ability to seek appropriate advice and report concerns, including 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. This technology is helping us streamline care, improve outcomes, and make daily tasks more efficient. As we continue to grow our digital capabilities, we’re looking for team members who are comfortable with technology—or open to learning. You\'ll be supported every step of the way.

We care about our colleagues and are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. From the moment you receive a job offer, we aim for the quickest possible turnaround to get you started, with full support every step of the way. With clear career pathways, continuous professional development, and postgraduate programmes, HC-One will invest in your growth—opening up opportunities at regional and national levels.

Please note: We are only able to consider applications from individuals who already have the full right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we cannot offer sponsorship or accept applications from those on a time-limited visa. Applications that do not meet this criteria will not be progressed.

Benefits and Perks

• 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 - round-the-clock GP consultation via an app (for you and your children under 16)
• Opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues as part of an outstanding and committed team
• Colleague discounts – access to over 1600 high street discounts
• Wellbeing - confidential Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support
• Excellent recognition schemes such as ‘Kindness in Care’ and Long Service Awards
• Refer-a-friend scheme