Kitchen Assistant Kitchen Assistant

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

Job summary

A leading care provider in Whitley Bay is seeking a Kitchen Assistant to deliver high-quality care through food. The role involves preparing and serving nutritious meals while maintaining kitchen hygiene. The ideal candidate will have some kitchen experience, a passion for helping others, and the ability to work in a caring environment. Competitive hourly rate, training opportunities, and a range of benefits are provided.

Benefits

Competitive hourly rate

Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG

Free uniform

Nutritious meal during shifts

Company pension scheme

28 days annual leave

Group life assurance cover

Wagestream for pay access

Recognition schemes

Refer a friend scheme

Qualifications

• Some kitchen experience and a real passion for helping others.
• Willingness to work towards NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation.
• Ability to follow recipes and record information accurately.
• Genuine kindness in every interaction with Residents and colleagues.
• Safeguarding awareness: ability to recognize signs of abuse, harm, or neglect.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with meal preparation under the direction of the Chef or Cook.
• Serving meals warmly and respectfully.
• Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen.
• Monitoring food storage temperatures.
• Supporting stock rotation and proper storage of ingredients.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Kindness in interactions

Education

NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation

Job description

In your role as a Kitchen Assistant at HC-One, you will value one thing above all: kindness. It is the thread that runs through everything we do in our Dementia, Nursing, Residential, and Specialist care homes. By joining HC-One, you will have the chance to make a meaningful difference every day – giving something back to those who have given so much throughout their lives. This is a full-time position of 30 hours per week. As a Kitchen Assistant, you will play an essential role in delivering high-quality care through food. You will 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 provide full training, so it is a great opportunity to learn something new. In return, you will enjoy access to a wide range of benefits and services to support your physical and psychological wellbeing, and HC-One invests in your growth with additional support and benefits throughout your career as a Kitchen Assistant.

Requirements

• Some kitchen experience and a real passion for helping others
• Either an NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation or a willingness to work towards it
• Strong organisational skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to follow recipes and record information accurately
• Patience, respect and genuine kindness in every interaction with Residents and colleagues
• Safeguarding awareness: ability to recognise signs of abuse, harm or neglect and to know what to do if there are concerns
• All colleagues are required to attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role and to undertake additional training in related areas

Kindness and Development

At HC-One, kindness is more than a word – it is a way of life. We are committed to supporting colleagues with personal and professional development, including clear career pathways and ongoing training. We are enhancing our digital care planning to streamline care and daily tasks, and we welcome team members who are comfortable with technology or open to learning.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate (e.g., £12.27 to £12.77 per hour), dependent on experience and qualifications
• Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG
• Free uniform
• During a shift of eight hours or more, a nutritious meal will be provided
• 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 – around-the-clock GP consultation via app (including dependents under 16)
• Colleague discounts – access to 1600+ high street discounts
• Wellbeing support via independent Employee Assistance Programme
• Recognition schemes such as “Kindness in Care” and Long Service Awards
• Refer a friend scheme of up to £1000 per referral, depending on the role