Kitchen Assistant

HC One; Whitley Bay; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A compassionate care provider is looking for a full-time Kitchen Assistant in Whitley Bay. The role involves assisting with meal preparation, maintaining kitchen hygiene, and showing kindness towards residents. Ideal candidates should have some kitchen experience or a willingness to learn, alongside essential organisational skills. This position offers competitive benefits including career development and access to discounts.

Benefits

Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG

Free uniform

Pension scheme

28 days annual leave

Employee discounts

Free access to Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in a kitchen environment.
• Willingness to learn and work towards NVQ2.
• Ability to record information accurately.

Responsibilities

• Assist with meal preparation under the Chef.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen.
• Monitor food storage temperatures.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Strong organisational skills

Attention to detail

Ability to follow recipes

Patience and respect

Education

NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation

Job description

Overview

In your role as a Kitchen Assistant at HC-One, you will value kindness above all. It informs our care across Dementia, Nursing, Residential, and Specialist homes, recognizing residents as individuals with their own life experiences, families and stories. Joining HC-One offers the chance to make a meaningful difference every day by giving back to those who have given so much throughout their lives.

This is a full-time position of 30 hours per week.

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.

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. Most importantly, every time you interact with a Resident or co-worker, you’ll show patience, respect and genuine kindness.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and 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.

We provide the five key qualities 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
• 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 enhancing support for residents through digital care planning. This technology is helping us streamline care, improve outcomes, and make daily tasks more efficient. As we 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

• 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 - 24/7 GP consultation via an interactive app (for you and your children under 16)
• Colleague discounts - access to over 1600 high street discounts
• Wellbeing - free access to an independent Employee Assistance Programme
• Recognition schemes such as Kindness in Care and Long Service Awards
• Refer-a-friend scheme of up to £1000 per referral, depending on the role