Kitchen Staff Member

Stonehaven Care Group; Exeter; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Stonehaven Care Group is seeking a Kitchen Staff Member for Dove Tree House in Exeter. You will prepare and cook meals, assist with prep tasks, and help serve refreshment for residents, ensuring high standards of hygiene and safe food handling.

You will work closely with care staff to meet dietary needs, maintain cleanliness, and support meal-time routines in a welcoming environment for residents.

Qualifications

• Experience in a care home or healthcare kitchen is desirable but not essential.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and allergen handling.
• Understanding of dietary needs and modifications for residents.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve meals and snacks per menus and dietary needs.
• Assist with daily prep tasks: washing, peeling, chopping, cooking.
• Bake cakes and prepare light refreshments for afternoon tea.
• Ensure meals are presented attractively and served on time.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and comply with infection control policies.
• Sanitise surfaces and equipment after use; monitor temperatures.

Skills

Food Hygiene

Dietary requirements

Communication

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Kitchen Staff Member -
Dove Tree House: Our lovely home in Exeter,is looking for aKitchen Staff member.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare, cook, and serve meals and snacks in accordance with planned menus and individual dietary requirements, including modified textures and allergen needs
• Assist with daily food preparation tasks, including washing, peeling, chopping, and cooking vegetables, fruits and other ingredients
• Bake cakes and prepare light refreshments, including beverages and sandwiches for afternoon tea
• Ensure all meals are attractively presented, served on time, and in accordance with food safety and hygiene standards
• Maintain the cleanliness and organisation of all kitchen areas and equipment in line with infection control procedures and health & safety policies
• Clean and sanitise all work surfaces, utensils, and kitchen equipment regularly and after each use
• Monitor and record food temperatures, fridge/freezer temperatures, and cleaning schedules as per regulatory and CQC and EVHO requirements
• Assist with stock rotation, labelling, and safe storage of food items. Check deliveries against invoices and report discrepancies
• Support the set-up and clearing down of dining areas, ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for residents
• Work closely and collaboratively with care staff to ensure residents’ dietary needs and preferences are fully met
• Communicate respectfully and compassionately with residents, recognising that mealtimes are a key part of their day
• Report any concerns about residents’ food intake, dietary changes, or kitchen operations to the Care Manager or senior team
• Regularly review and adapt menus based on seasonal changes, resident feedback, and audits
• Maintain stock levels by ordering food, beverages, and kitchen supplies in a timely and cost-effective manner

Person Specification – Skills and Qualifications

• Previous experience in a care home, hospital, or similar kitchen environment is desirable but not essential
• Knowledge of food hygiene and health & safety regulations, Level 2 or Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate is beneficial
• Understanding of special diets, including allergies, diabetic meals, and soft food diets, is preferred
• Strong organisational and multitasking skills, with the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
• Good communication skills with a professional and respectful approach to colleagues and residents
• Compassionate and patient nature, with a genuine interest in improving the lives of older or vulnerable people
• Physical ability to stand for long periods and carry out manual handling and cleaning tasks
• A positive, flexible attitude and willingness to learn and adapt to changing needs

Rate of pay: £13.17- £13.42per hour.

Most importantly we are looking for nice, friendly, dedicated people who will set high standards for themselves and be active members of the care team. We look for people who behave in a positive manner at all times, putting the best interests of the residents in their care at the heart of all that they do.

To be eligible to apply for this vacancy, you already need to have the right to work in the UK as the Company is unable to provide sponsorship for this post.