Kitchen Assistant

HealthJobs4U Ltd; Tonbridge; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

HealthJobs4U Ltd is seeking a Kitchen Assistant to support preparation and delivery of nutritious meals for residents in a care home. You’ll work as part of the kitchen and care team to meet dietary needs with dignity, while maintaining food safety and hygiene standards.

The role involves assisting with cooking, serving meals, stock control, and following safeguarding procedures. Excellent communication, time management and teamwork are essential, as are reliability, punctuality and a

Qualifications

• Good communication skills.
• Excellent time management.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Attention to detail in food handling.
• Basic food preparation skills.
• Reliability and punctuality.
• Understanding of food safety and hygiene.
• Willingness to learn and develop.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation and cooking of meals, snacks and beverages for residents.
• Follow menus and dietary requirements, including texture modified diets, allergens, religious and cultural needs.
• Ensure food is presented attractively and served at appropriate temperatures.

Skills

Communication

Time management

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Basic food preparation

Reliability

Punctuality

Food safety knowledge

Job description

As a Kitchen Assistant you will be responsible for supporting the preparation and delivery ofnutritious, well balanced meals and snacks for residents in accordance with current best practice,agreed standards, policy and procedures, legislative requirements and relevant regulations.

You will work as part of the kitchen and care team to ensure residents' dietary needs, preferences and cultural requirements are met with dignity and respect, while maintaining high standards of foodsafety, hygiene and professional practice within the care home.

Food Preparation and Service

• Assist with the preparation and cooking of meals, snacks and beverages for residents
• Follow menus and special dietary requirements, including texture modified diets, allergens,
  religious and cultural needs
• Ensure food is presented attractively and served at appropriate temperatures
• Support the serving of meals to residents where required

Kitchen Hygiene and Safety

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen, dining areas and storage
  spaces
• Follow food safety regulations, including temperature control, date checking and safe
  storage procedures
• Adhere to infection control and COSHH policies relevant to the kitchen environment
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and report faults or concerns promptly

Dietary Records and Communication

• Maintain accurate records of food temperatures, stock rotation and allergen information
• Communicate with care staff regarding residents' dietary needs, preferences and changes in
  appetite
• Report any concerns about nutrition, hydration, or swallowing risks to the Cook, Senior Carer,
  or Manager

Stock and Supplies

• Assist with stock control, including ordering, receiving and storing food and cleaning supplies
• Ensure proper stock rotation and minimise food waste
• Check deliveries for quality, quantity and temperature compliance

Safeguarding and Health & Safety

• Follow safeguarding procedures to protect vulnerable adults
• Ensure the kitchen and food service areas are safe, clean and secure
• Report accidents, incidents and hazards appropriately
• Be aware of emergency procedures, including fire safety and evacuation protocols

Communication and Teamwork

• Communicate respectfully with residents, families, and care staff
• Participate in team meetings and handovers as required
• Support the wider team in promoting residents' wellbeing through nutrition and hydration

Supporting Residents' Wellbeing

• Encourage residents to eat and drink, supporting those who need assistance at mealtimes
• Respect residents' cultural, religious and personal food preferences
• Contribute to a positive, homely dining experience for residents

Shift Support

• Support the smooth running of the kitchen under the direction of the Cook or Catering
  Manager
• Ensure meal delivery times and standards are met consistently
• Respond to emergencies and unexpected situations appropriately, reporting to senior staff

Working Hours and Pay Rates:

Full time contract, 41 hours per week

• Weekdays - £13 per hour
• Weekends - £13.75 per hour

Essential:

• Good communication skills
• Excellent time management
• Teamwork
• Attention to detail
• Basic food preparation skills
• Reliability and punctuality
• Understanding of food safety and hygiene
• Willingness to learn and develop