Kitchen Assistant (Relief/Bank) based at Lawnfield House, Willesden

MHA; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday

Pension & life cover

DBS checks

Counselling support

Flexible annual leave buy/sell

Blue Light Card discounts

Induction & development

Long service awards

Job summary

MHA seeks a reliable Kitchen Assistant (Relief/Bank) to join the catering team at Lawnfield House, Willesden. You will support the Cook to deliver nutritious meals and keep the kitchen clean and safe in line with food safety standards.

We value care, dignity and teamwork. The role is relief/bank, with pay of £14.80 per hour and opportunities to develop skills through training and DBS checks. Applicants living within ~15 miles are preferred.

Qualifications

• Basic food hygiene certificate is essential.
• Previous basic food preparation experience is desirable.
• Good communication and listening skills are required.
• Ability to follow instructions and prioritise tasks.
• Positive, flexible approach to work.
• Sensitivity to the needs of older people and commitment to quality service.
• Willingness to undertake training and development.

Responsibilities

• Support the Cook with food preparation, serving meals and cleaning tasks.
• Keep kitchen areas clean and tidy in line with schedules and Food Safety Manual.
• Dispose of waste safely and hygienically.
• Ensure adequate supplies of cleaning materials.
• Assist with laundry tasks for kitchen linen.
• Follow COSHH, food hygiene, health & safety standards at all times.
• Respect residents' privacy, dignity and choice.
• Attend training, supervision and staff meetings as required.

Skills

Basic food hygiene certificate

Good communication

Follow instructions

Positive flexible approach

Sensitivity to older people

Training willingness

Education

QCF Level 2 in Health & Social Care

QCF Level 3 in Health & Social Care (desirable)

Job description

Kitchen Assistant (Relief/Bank) based at Lawnfield House, Willesden

Location: Lawnfield House, Willesden
Hours: Relief/Bank hours per week
Salary: £14.80 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

Lawnfield House care home in Willesden

Lawnfield House is a warm and supportive home where colleagues work together to deliver compassionate and person-centred care. The friendly team culture helps new colleagues settle quickly, offering guidance, encouragement and a strong sense of belonging.

The home promotes dignity, independence and meaningful connection, with colleagues contributing to a calm and uplifting environment. Guided by MHA’s charitable values, the team works collaboratively, treating one another with kindness and respect.

For job seekers wanting to build a meaningful career in a supportive organisation, Lawnfield House offers the chance to grow, develop skills and make a real impact each day.

For more information about the home, please click here

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.

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.

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.