Kitchen Assistant (Relief) based at Oak Manor, Shefford

MHA; Shefford; Remote; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday

Pension scheme

Life assurance

DBS checks provided

Induction and training

Employee discounts

Job summary

MHA is seeking a Kitchen Assistant (Relief) at Oak Manor, Shefford. Join a caring catering team supporting the Cook to deliver nutritious meals and maintain a clean, safe kitchen. You will help with food prep, serving and cleaning, while meeting residents' dietary needs.

Essential is a basic food hygiene certificate; prior kitchen experience is helpful. Training will be provided, and you’ll work within a supportive culture that values care and dignity.

Qualifications

• Basic food hygiene certificate is essential.
• Experience in basic food preparation is desirable.
• Good communication and listening skills are required.
• Ability to follow instructions and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Positive, flexible approach to work.
• Sensitivity to the needs of older people and a commitment to quality service.
• Willingness to undertake training and development, QCF Level 2/3 is desirable.
• Training will be provided.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Basic food hygiene certificate

Food preparation experience

Good communication

Follow instructions

Flexible attitude

Caring for older people

Willingness to undertake training

Education

QCF Level 2 or 3 Health & Social Care

Job description

Kitchen Assistant (Relief) based at Oak Manor, Shefford

Location: Oak Manor, Shefford
Hours: Relief hours per week
Salary: £13.46 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 that 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

Oak Manor care home in Shefford

Oak Manor is an inviting home where colleagues work collaboratively to deliver high-quality, person-centred care. With its modern design and peaceful surroundings, the home offers a positive backdrop for colleagues who want to make a meaningful impact.

The team culture is supportive and friendly, helping new colleagues settle quickly and feel valued. Guided by MHA's charitable ethos, colleagues work together with empathy, respect and a shared commitment to helping residents live well.

For job seekers looking to join a team that encourages growth and celebrates contribution, Oak Manor provides a rewarding and purpose-led place to work.

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.

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.