Kitchen Assistant based at Handsworth, Bowdon

MHA; Altrincham; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday including bank hols

Strong pension scheme

Life assurance

Free DBS checks and uniforms

Confidential counselling and chaplain

Job summary

MHA is seeking a reliable Kitchen Assistant to join the catering team at Handsworth Bowdon. You will support the Cook to deliver nutritious meals, keep a clean kitchen, and follow food safety standards to ensure residents receive dignified care.

This role focuses on teamwork, flexibility and adherence to health & safety guidelines, with opportunities for training and development. The position is based at Handsworth care home in Bowdon.

Qualifications

• Basic food hygiene certificate is essential.
• Experience in basic food preparation is desirable.
• Good communication and listening skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and prioritise tasks.
• Flexible and team-oriented with a caring attitude.
• Willingness to undertake training and development.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Communication skills

Following instructions

Flexibility

Empathy

Willingness to learn

Education

Basic food hygiene certificate

QCF Level 2/3 in Health & Social Care

Job description

Kitchen Assistant based at Handsworth, Bowdon

Location: Handsworth, Bowdon
Hours: 20 hours per week
Salary: £13.45 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

Handsworth care home in Bowdon

Handsworth is a friendly and values-led home where colleagues come together with a clear sense of purpose. The team is welcoming, collaborative and committed to supporting residents with compassion and respect.

Colleagues appreciate the home’s calm and inclusive atmosphere, where trust and teamwork guide everyday life. MHA’s charitable foundations influence the culture, encouraging colleagues to develop their skills, share ideas and contribute to care that truly matters.

For job seekers looking to join a supportive and purpose-driven team, Handsworth offers a fulfilling place to build a meaningful and rewarding career.

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.

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

Recruitment agencies: please note, MHA do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies, regardless of whether they are on our Preferred Supplier List (PSL). We only accept CVs from agencies that have been appointed and briefed by MHA’s Talent Acquisition Team.