Kitchen Assistant based at Berwick Grange, Harrogate

MHA; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday inc. bank holidays

Strong pension scheme

Free DBS checks and uniforms

Counselling and support services

Flexible annual leave options

Discounts via Blue Light Card

Induction and development programmes

Long service awards

Job summary

MHA is seeking a reliable Kitchen Assistant to join the Berwick Grange kitchen in Harrogate. You will assist the Cook with meal preparation, serve meals, and help keep the kitchen clean and safe for residents.

This full-time role requires a basic food hygiene certificate and a proactive, team-focused attitude. Training, development, and adherence to care standards are part of the job, with a strong emphasis on resident wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Essential: Basic food hygiene certificate

Responsibilities

• Support the Cook with food preparation, serving meals, washing up and storing crockery and utensils safely.
• Keep all kitchen areas clean and tidy according to schedules and Food Safety Manual.
• Dispose of waste food safely and hygienically.
• Ensure adequate supplies of cleaning and washing-up materials.
• Assist with laundry tasks for kitchen linen.
• Follow COSHH, food hygiene, health & safety and infection control requirements.

Skills

Basic communication

Food hygiene

Teamwork

Following instructions

Flexibility

Education

Basic food hygiene certificate

QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care

Job description

Kitchen Assistant based at Berwick Grange, Harrogate

Location: Berwick Grange, Harrogate
Hours: Permanent - Full Time - 40 hours per week
Salary: £13.46 per hour

For this role, we are currently considering candidates who live within approximately 15 miles of the Service. This ensures commutes are manageable and support your wellbeing and work-life balance. If you live outside this area but would still find the commute manageable, please get in touch – we are happy to review individual circumstances.

About the role

We are looking for a reliable and enthusiastic Kitchen Assistant to join our catering team at MHA. This is a valued role, supporting the Cook to deliver nutritious, well-presented meals that meet residents’ dietary needs while helping to maintain a clean, safe and welcoming kitchen environment.

As a Kitchen Assistant, you will play an important part in supporting residents’ health and wellbeing, working in line with food safety standards and MHA’s values of care, respect and dignity.

What you will do

• Support the Cook with food preparation, serving meals, washing up and storing crockery and utensils safely.
• Keep all areas of the kitchen clean and tidy in line with cleaning schedules and the Food Safety Manual.
• Dispose of waste food safely and hygienically.
• Ensure adequate supplies of cleaning and washing-up materials are available.
• Assist with laundry tasks for kitchen linen.
• Follow COSHH, food hygiene, health & safety and infection prevention requirements at all times.
• Respect residents’ privacy, dignity and choice.
• Attend training, supervision, appraisals and staff meetings as required.

About you

We are looking for someone who is dependable, caring and enjoys working as part of a team.

You will bring:

• A basic food hygiene certificate (essential).
• Previous experience of basic food preparation (desirable).
• Good communication and listening skills.
• The ability to follow instructions and prioritise tasks effectively.
• A positive, flexible approach to work.
• Sensitivity to the needs of older people and a commitment to quality service.
• Willingness to undertake training and development.
• A QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care is desirable but not essential, as training will be provided.

You will be joining an organisation with strong values and a supportive culture, where every role contributes to helping people live later life well. At MHA, catering teams play a vital part in residents’ daily enjoyment and wellbeing.

Rewards and benefits

In addition to a competitive hourly rate, you will enjoy:

• 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) and an option to buy annual leave (pro-rota for part time)
• A strong pension scheme and life assurance
• Free DBS checks and uniforms
• Confidential counselling, chaplaincy support and access to our hardship fund
• Flexible options to buy or sell annual leave, plus family-friendly policies
• Discounts through the Blue Light Card, Health Service Discounts and the Vivup app
• A full induction, ongoing training and development opportunities
• Long service awards to celebrate your contribution

About the Service

Berwick Grange care home in Harrogate

Berwick Grange offers colleagues a calm, supportive and purpose-driven place to work, particularly for those interested in developing specialist dementia skills. The home’s thoughtful design and strong team ethos help create a safe and uplifting environment for residents.

Known for its award-winning music therapy and meaningful activity programme, the home provides colleagues with opportunities to contribute to innovative, person-centred approaches that enhance wellbeing.

Colleagues appreciate the close-knit feel of the team, the shared focus on dignity and respect, and the encouragement to bring ideas that improve residents’ lives. For job seekers looking for purposeful work in a nurturing team, Berwick Grange offers a rewarding place to grow.

For more information about the home, please click here

Please note that interviews may take place prior to the closing date and if a suitable candidate is appointed the role may close early.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

MHA are fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as this is embedded in our values: respect, nurture and inspire. In addition, as a committed employer we have been awarded level 2 under the Disability Confident Scheme.