Kitchen Assistant based at Mayfields, Ellesmere Port

MHA; Ellesmere Port; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday

Strong pension

Life assurance

DBS checks

Counselling support

Annual leave buy/sell

Discounts via Blue Light Card

Induction and training

Long service awards

Job summary

Mayfields care home in Ellesmere Port is hiring a Kitchen Assistant to support the Cook, help prepare and serve meals, and keep the kitchen clean and compliant with food safety standards.

We value care, respect and dignity, offer a 40-hour week, a competitive hourly rate, and training to develop your skills while supporting residents’ health and wellbeing. You will join a friendly, supportive team at MHA with opportunities for progression and involvement in award-winning care.

Qualifications

• Basic food hygiene certificate (essential).
• Previous experience of basic food preparation (desirable).
• Good communication and listening skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Positive, flexible approach to work.
• Sensitivity to needs of older people and commitment to quality service.
• 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 according to schedules and the 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 prevention requirements.
• Respect residents’ privacy, dignity and choice.
• Attend training, supervision, appraisals and staff meetings as required.

Skills

Good communication

Team player

Flexibility

Willingness to train

Education

Basic food hygiene certificate

QCF Level 2/3 in Health & Social Care

Job description

Kitchen Assistant based at Mayfields, Ellesmere Port

Hours: Permanent - Full Time - 40 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

Mayfields care home in Ellesmere Port

Mayfields is a friendly and values-driven home where colleagues work side by side to provide thoughtful and compassionate care. The team is welcoming and supportive, helping new colleagues settle quickly and feel at ease in their roles.

Colleagues play a key part in fostering a calm, positive environment that supports dignity and independence. Guided by MHA’s charitable ethos, the home promotes teamwork, kindness and continual learning.

For job seekers wanting a meaningful and people-focused career, Mayfields offers opportunities to develop skills, build confidence and make a genuine difference every day.

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.