Kitchen Assistant (Relief/Bank) based at The Meadow, Muswell Hill

MHA; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday

Pension scheme

Free DBS checks

Uniforms provided

Annual leave flexible purchase/sell

Job summary

The Meadow care home in Muswell Hill is seeking a Kitchen Assistant (Relief/Bank) to join our catering team at MHA. The role involves supporting the Cook to deliver nutritious meals while maintaining a clean, safe kitchen aligned with residents’ dietary needs.

You will work to food safety standards and our values of care, respect and dignity, with a focus on teamwork and excellent service to residents. This is an on-site role at The Meadow with relief/bank hours.

Qualifications

• Basic food hygiene certificate is essential.
• Good communication and listening skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and priorities.

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.
• 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.

Skills

Basic food hygiene certificate

Good communication

Teamwork

Flexible

Education

QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care (desirable)

Job description

Kitchen Assistant (Relief/Bank) based at The Meadow, Muswell Hill

Location: The Meadow, Muswell Hill
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

The Meadow care home in Muswell Hill

The Meadow is a friendly home where colleagues work together to support older people and those living with dementia. The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, helping new colleagues feel part of the team from the outset.

Colleagues play a vital role in creating a calm, respectful environment that promotes dignity, independence and wellbeing. Guided by MHA’s charitable ethos, the home fosters collaboration, kindness and ongoing development.

For job seekers wanting to build a meaningful career in a supportive and people focused home, The Meadow offers a fulfilling place to make a genuine difference every day.

For more information about the home, please click here

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.