Kitchen Assistant- 36 hours over 3 days

Ashmere Derbyshire; Heanor; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashmere is hiring a Kitchen Assistant to work 36 hours across 3 days in our Derbyshire care homes. You will support the Head Chef with food preparation, meal service, and delivering nutritious options to residents, while upholding hygiene and safety standards.

You'll manage stock, assist with records, and liaise with care staff to meet dietary needs. The role suits team players who care about quality meals and a warm dining experience for residents.

Qualifications

• Must hold an Approved Elementary Food Hygiene certificate.
• Ensure accurate, legible records are kept and comply with food hygiene rules.
• Role requires 18 years or older due to adult social care environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare delicious and nutritious meals for residents.
• Assist with serving meals in a timely manner.
• Maintain highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen.
• Operate an efficient stock control system and track inventory.
• Liaise with care staff to understand residents' dietary needs.

Education

Approved Elementary Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

Kitchen Assistant- 36 hours over 3 days

Join the Ashmere family as a Kitchen Assistant working 36 hours over 3 days and play a vital role in enhancing the daily lives of our residents. In this hands-on position, you will be a key part of our catering team, reporting to the Home Manager and working under the guidance of the Head Chef.

Your responsibilities will be varied and rewarding, from preparing delicious and nutritious foodstuffs to assisting with the serving of all meals in a timely manner. You'll ensure our kitchen adheres to the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene, operate an efficient stock control system, and liaise with care staff to understand the specific dietary needs of our service users.

This role requires a person-centred approach, ensuring all interactions are polite and respectful. If you are a team player with a passion for food and a desire to make a difference in a caring environment, we would love to hear from you. You will be instrumental in maintaining a safe, efficient, and welcoming kitchen environment.

Must be 18 years of age or older due to the duties and responsibilities associated with working in an adult social care environment.

About the role

As a Kitchen Assistant at Ashmere, your day will be dynamic and fulfilling. You'll work closely with the Head Chef, learning new skills and contributing to a menu that brings joy to our residents. This isn't just about cooking; it's about creating a warm, homely dining experience.

You will be responsible for everything from food preparation and stock management to ensuring the kitchen is spotless and safe. There are fantastic opportunities for professional growth, with support for statutory training and personal development. This role is perfect for someone who is compassionate, organised, and wants to be part of a supportive team that values quality care and teamwork above all.

About the company

We are Ashmere - a family-run group of care homes across Derbyshire devoted to providing high-quality residential, nursing, dementia and specialist care. We believe in treating every resident as part of our family, ensuring dignity, compassion and respect in everything we do. At Ashmere, our homes offer welcoming, supportive environments where our residents feel safe, cared for, and valued.

Required Criteria

• Must hold an Approved Elementary Food Hygiene certificate
• Ensure accurate, legible records are kept
• Ensure compliance with statutory and service requirements on food hygiene, storage, and temperature control
• Manage waste effectively
• Attend regular meetings to keep abreast of views and expectations
• Experience of working as part of a team and of delivering items to tight deadlines

Desired Criteria

• Regularly seek feedback from people and communicate their views to the Head Chef
• Previous experience of working in a similar environment
• Knowledge of texture modified diets
• Experience of working with service users who have additional support needs
• Knowledge of health and safety and personal responsibility
• Experience of working with kitchen equipment and appliances and understanding the risks involved

Skills you'll need

• Customer Service
• Risk Assessments
• Food Service Skills
• Food Production
• HACCP/Food Safety Management Skills
• Product Knowledge
• Technical Skills
• Waste Management
• Working Under Pressure
• Stock Taking
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Empathy
• Paperwork and Record Keeping
• Time Management