Kitchen Assistant - Suffolk Lodge

Optalis; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Perkbox rewards package

25 days annual leave (pro rata)

Health and wellbeing day

Training and development programme

Career progression opportunities

STAR awards

Generous pension scheme

Job summary

Optalis is recruiting a Kitchen Assistant for Suffolk Lodge in Wokingham. This 30-hour post supports the chef to prepare nutritious meals for residents with dementia in a friendly residential home setting.

Typical hours are 9am–3pm, five days weekly (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat). The role requires or offers City & Guilds Level 1 in Hospitality and Catering and Food Safety Level 2, with pro rata pay of £24,791.39 FTE for 30 hours. Training and progression opportunities are provided.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting a kitchen team and assisting with meal preparation.
• Understanding of basic food hygiene and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist with basic food preparation.
• Clean kitchen equipment and dining areas.
• Wash dishes, cutlery and cooking utensils.
• Store food deliveries safely and correctly.
• Follow all health and safety regulations.
• Interact warmly and respectfully with residents.

Skills

Food preparation

Health & safety

Education

City and Guilds Level 1 in Hospitality and Catering

Food Safety Level 2

Job description

Job profile for Kitchen Assistant - Suffolk Lodge

Kitchen Assistant - Suffolk Lodge

location_on Wokingham 28/08/2026 Kitchen Assistant - Suffolk Lodge

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Salary £24,791.39 FTE Pro Rata to 30 Hours £12.85 Per Hour Contractual hours 30 Basis Part time Region South Package £24,791.39 FTE Pro Rata to 30 Hours £12.85 Per Hour Job category/type Adult Social Care Date posted 13/08/2026 Job reference OPR0000770 Attachments JD - Kitchen Assistant.docx

Job description

Optalis is the adult social care delivery partner on behalf of Wokingham Borough Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Council. Optalis is owned and funded by the 2 Councils. Optalis is not a private provider or an employment agency.

Kitchen Assistant – 30 Hours Weekly, Wokingham Town Centre

Suffolk Lodge Residential Home - £24,791.39 FTE £12.85 Per Hour

Suffolk Lodge provides a safe, welcoming environment where people living with dementia can enjoy life with the right support around them.

Our purpose built, two-storey building set within the heart of Wokingham, provides residential care for up to 28 older people living with dementia, and a single room for a short break (respite) service. We also have a dedicated wing with 8 rooms for short-term support, helping people to recover from hospital stays and regain skills and confidence to be able to return home.

We are located within easy walking distance to Wokingham Town Centre and well connected to community facilities such as cafés, the library, and churches. Residents can enjoy shared lounges, conservatories and dining rooms, as well as attractive gardens that provide a safe and relaxing outdoor space.

We are seeking a dedicated Kitchen Assistant to join our residential care home team. You will support our Chef to prepare nutritious meals for the individuals we support. Your work will help maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety in our kitchen.

You will either have or be willing to gain a City and Guilds Level 1 in Hospitality and Catering and Food Safety Level 2.

This role requires cover for 5 days a week, working 9am -3pm on set days Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday weekly.

For more information the full job description is attached.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with basic food preparation.
• Clean kitchen equipment and dining areas.
• Wash dishes, cutlery, and cooking utensils.
• Store food deliveries safely and correctly.
• Follow all health and safety regulations.
• Interact warmly and respectfully with the people we support.

Working for Optalis you will also receive a range of benefits, including:

• A Perkbox rewards package offering discounts on cinema, shopping, health, travel and insurance
• 25 days annual leave (pro rata) rising annually to a maximum of 30 days with 8 bank holidays, and an extra day off for your birthday
• An additional health and wellbeing day
• A comprehensive paid training and development programme
• Excellent career progression opportunities and support
• As a valued and integral member of the team you will have a voice in the service and forums to be heard and make a difference
• STAR awards – a reward scheme which recognises staff who have gone the extra mile
• A generous pension scheme

Optalis is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our staff and customers. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a DBS check and will need to provide proof of their right to work in the UK.

We anticipate this being a popular role and therefore reserve the right to close early should there be a large volume of applications. We would therefore advise not to wait until the closing date to submit your interest.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The DBS clearance level required is Enhanced with Adult Barred list.

For advice and information on disclosing criminal records you can contact Nacro’s support service on 0300123 1999 or [e-mail]