Kitchen Assistant based at Elmside, Hitchin

MHA; Hitchin; Remote; GBP 15,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday and leave options

Pension & life assurance

DBS checks and uniforms provided

Counselling and chaplaincy support

Flexible annual leave options

Discounts and cards (Blue Light/Card)

Job summary

MHA is recruiting a Kitchen Assistant for Elmside care home in Hitchin. You will support the Cook, prepare meals, and help maintain a clean, safe kitchen to meet residents’ dietary needs and wellbeing.

The role emphasises hygiene, dignity, and teamwork, with opportunities for training and career development within a values-driven organisation.

Qualifications

• A basic food hygiene certificate (essential).
• Experience of basic food preparation (desirable).
• Good communication and listening skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and prioritise tasks.
• Positive, flexible approach to work.
• Willingness to undertake training and development.
• QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care is desirable.

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 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 prevention requirements.
• Respect residents’ privacy, dignity and choice.
• Attend training, supervision, appraisals and staff meetings as required.

Skills

Basic food hygiene certificate

Food preparation experience

Communication skills

Instruction following

Flexible attitude

Willingness to training

Care for older people

Education

QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care

Job description

Kitchen Assistant based at Elmside, Hitchin

Location: Elmside, Hitchin
Hours: 30 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

Elmside care home in Hitchin

Elmside is a warm and community-focused home where colleagues work together to deliver meaningful, person-centred care. The team atmosphere is friendly and encouraging, helping new colleagues feel supported from their very first day.

With a strong focus on dignity, independence and high-quality support, colleagues play an essential role in creating a calm, uplifting environment for residents. The home reflects MHA’s charitable values, promoting kindness, teamwork and a shared commitment to improving later life.

Elmside is an ideal workplace for job seekers who want to build a purposeful career in a supportive home where colleagues feel valued, trusted and inspired to grow.

Where the role requires a Standard or Enhanced DBS check, the successful candidate will be required to join and maintain membership of the DBS Update Service. MHA will pay for the DBS check and will provide an additional payment through payroll equivalent to the standard annual Update Service subscription fee. Further details will be provided during onboarding.

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.