Kitchen Assistant Kitchen Assistant

HC-One Ltd.; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care provider in Gateshead is seeking a Kitchen Assistant to help prepare and serve nutritious meals for residents. This role involves maintaining kitchen cleanliness and assisting the Chef. Ideal candidates are passionate about providing care and can work harmoniously in a team. The position offers competitive hourly rates and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Company pension scheme

28 days annual leave

GP online consultation

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Willingness to work towards or a current NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation.
• Some kitchen experience and a passion for helping others.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to follow recipes accurately.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with meal preparation under the direction of the Chef or Cook.
• Serving meals in a friendly manner.
• Maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Patience

Compassion

Education

NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation

Job description

As a Kitchen Assistant, you'll play an essential role in delivering high‑quality care through food. You'll help prepare and serve nutritious, well‑balanced meals that support the health and wellbeing of our Residents – many of whom have specific dietary needs.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with meal preparation under the direction of the Chef or Cook
• Serving meals with warmth and respect in a timely and friendly manner
• Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen, including equipment and surfaces
• Monitoring and recording food storage temperatures (fridges, freezers, etc.)
• Supporting stock rotation and ensuring ingredients are properly stored
• Showing new team members how to safely use kitchen equipment
• Washing up and ensuring the kitchen remains spotless – even after a busy lunch rush

Everything you do will reflect your care for the Residents, always keeping their comfort and dignity front of mind. We'll provide full training, so it's a great opportunity to learn something new. In return, you’ll enjoy access to a huge variety of benefits and services to support your physical and psychological well‑being throughout your career as a Kitchen Assistant, and we will invest in you.

Qualifications

• A willingness to work towards (or a current) NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation
• Some kitchen experience and a real passion for helping others
• Strong organisational skills, keen eye for detail, and the ability to follow recipes and record information accurately
• Patience, respect, and genuine kindness when interacting with Residents or co‑workers
• Knowledge of safeguarding – recognising signs of abuse, harm or neglect and knowing what to do with concerns, including escalation if action is not taken
• A commitment to attend safeguarding training appropriate to your role and to undertake additional training in associated areas

Kindness the HC‑One Way

• We are curious – asking questions, seeking to understand.
• We are compassionate – walking in the shoes of others.
• We are creative – finding practical ways to make things happen.
• We are courageous – supporting residents to live the life they choose.
• We are dependable – people can always count on us.

We champion inclusivity, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves. Our diverse workforce helps us learn from one another and better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds into our HC‑One family and prioritise inclusive working practices across everything we do.

We are enhancing the way we support residents through digital care planning. This technology is helping us streamline care, improve outcomes, and make daily tasks more efficient. As we continue to grow our digital capabilities, we’re looking for team members who are comfortable with technology – or open to learning.

With clear career pathways, continuous professional development, and postgraduate programmes, HC‑One will invest in your growth – opening up opportunities at regional and national levels.

Job Details:

Location: Gateshead – Springfield House

Job Family: Home Support Services

Hourly rate: £12.27 – £12.77 per hour, subject to experience and qualifications. Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG. Free uniform.

Benefits

• During a shift of eight hours or more a nutritious meal will be available
• Company pension scheme
• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Group life assurance cover
• Wagestream – financial wellbeing and flexible access to pay as you need it
• Award‑winning learning and development and support to achieve qualifications.
• GP online – a service providing around the clock GP consultation via an interactive app – available to you and your children under 16
• An opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues as part of an outstanding and committed team.
• Colleague discounts – access to over 1,600 high‑street discounts including carefully selected discount partners.
• Wellbeing – free of charge access to an independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme. This gives colleagues and their families access to 24/7, 365 support for a whole range of issues including physical, mental and financial issues.
• Excellent recognition schemes such as ‘Kindness in Care’ and Long Service Awards.
• An attractive refer‑a‑friend scheme of up to £1,000 per referral, depending on the role.