Kitchen Assistant (Relief) based at Cedar Lodge, Wootton Wawen

MHA; Brighton; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday

Pension scheme

DBS checks

Counselling support

Flexible annual leave

Blue Light Card discounts

Job summary

MHA is seeking a reliable Kitchen Assistant (Relief) based at Cedar Lodge care home in Henley In Arden. The role involves supporting the Cook to prepare and serve nutritious meals while maintaining a clean, safe kitchen in line with food safety standards.

You will work as part of the catering team to aid residents’ health and wellbeing, with training provided and DBS checks as part of the role.

Qualifications

• Basic food hygiene certificate (essential).
• Good communication and listening skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and prioritise tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist Cook with food prep, serving meals and washing up.
• Keep kitchen clean and tidy per schedules and Food Safety Manual.
• Dispose of waste safely and hygienically.
• Ensure supplies of cleaning and washing-up materials.
• Assist with laundry for kitchen linen.
• Follow COSHH, food hygiene, health & safety requirements.
• Respect residents’ privacy and dignity.

Skills

Basic food hygiene

Communication

Following instructions

Team player

Flexible attitude

Customer service

Education

QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care

Job description

Kitchen Assistant (Relief) based at Cedar Lodge, Wootton Wawen

Location: Cedar Lodge, Wootton Wawen
Hours: Relief 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

Cedar Lodge care home in Henley In Arden

Cedar Lodge is a warm and compassionate home where colleagues work together to support older people and individuals living with dementia. The team atmosphere is friendly, inclusive and grounded in shared values that promote kindness, respect and person-centred care.

Colleagues appreciate the calm, welcoming feel of the home and the chance to build real connections with residents. Supported by MHA’s strong charitable purpose, the team is encouraged to develop their skills and bring positive ideas that enhance the experience of those living in the home.

For job seekers looking for meaningful work in a supportive environment, Cedar Lodge offers opportunities to grow, contribute and make a lasting difference.

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.

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.