Kitchen Staff Member

Stonehaven Healthcare Ltd; Exeter; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

Stonehaven Healthcare Ltd in Exeter is seeking a Kitchen Staff member to work 28 hours per week in our care home, delivering meals and snacks to residents with kindness and professionalism.

You will help with meal prep, food safety, and cleaning, and work closely with care teams to meet dietary needs. The role suits reliable team players committed to high standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in a care home or similar kitchen is preferred but not essential.
• Knowledge of food hygiene regulations and safe food handling.
• Ability to follow dietary restrictions and special diets.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve meals and snacks per menus and dietary needs.
• Assist with daily food prep tasks including washing, peeling, chopping, and cooking.
• Bake cakes and prepare light refreshments for afternoon tea.
• Ensure meals are presented attractively and served on time with hygiene standards.
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen areas and equipment and follow infection control policies.
• Monitor temperatures, check deliveries, and report discrepancies.
• Support dining setup and清理, ensuring a welcoming environment for residents.
• Collaborate with care staff to meet residents' dietary needs and preferences.
• Communicate respectfully with residents and report concerns to the Care Manager.

Skills

Care Home Experience

Food Hygiene

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Flexible Attitude

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2/3

Job description

The Lilacs: Our lovely home in Exeter, The Lilacs is looking for a Kitchen Staff member for 28 hours per week.

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 - £13.42 per 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.