Supported Housing Catering Assistant

Response Organisation; Oxford; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

Response Organisation in Oxford is seeking a compassionate Supported Housing Catering Assistant for a part-time role (26.25 hours per week) with flexible weekends and occasional bank holidays. You will cook and serve Apetito meals, support resident choice and wellbeing, and help build a warm, inclusive environment for residents with severe mental health needs.

No prior mental health experience is required; training and ongoing support will be provided.

Qualifications

• No previous mental health experience required.
• Training and support provided to help you succeed.
• Enhanced DBS check and two references required.

Responsibilities

• Cook and serve daily Apetito meals.
• Prepare lunch and supper, including meals not provided by Apetito.
• Support person-centred meal choices and dietary needs.
• Give daily feedback to the team about resident engagement and wellbeing.
• Maintain infection control and food safety standards.
• Ensure safe food storage and stock rotation.
• Comply with environmental health requirements.
• Assist with menu planning, food ordering and meal-related invoicing.
• Support residents who volunteer in the kitchen, following care plans and safety guidance.
• Report progress or concerns to Key Workers and Managers.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusive practice.
• Safeguard vulnerable residents and respond appropriately to crises.
• Maintain confidentiality and data protection standards.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and partners.
• Follow all Health & Safety measures, including regular checks and risk assessments.
• Participate in training, supervision and professional development.

Skills

Compassionate

Strong communicator

Team player

Organised

Reliable

Respectful of diversity

Calm under pressure

Creative

Job description

Part-time, 26.25 hours per week (Flexible Working Pattern - Alternate Weekends and Occasional Bank Holidays)

At Response, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a happy, healthy and fulfilling life - and good food plays a powerful role in that journey.

We're looking for a compassionate, motivated Supported Housing Catering Assistant who wants to support others, champion wellbeing, and help create a warm, welcoming environment for residents living with severe and enduring mental health needs.

Why This Role Matters

Food is comfort, connection and care - and for many of our residents, a nutritious meal can be a moment of stability in their recovery journey.

As a Supported Housing Catering Assistant, you'll help residents improve their physical health, build confidence in the kitchen, and feel included in decisions about their diet and wellbeing. You'll support co-production, ensuring residents' voices shape menus, meal choices and kitchen activities.

No two days are the same. One day you might be preparing meals and supporting residents to volunteer in the kitchen. Another day you might be helping someone explore healthier eating habits or celebrating a personal milestone.

The meals you prepare - and the relationships you build - can have a lasting impact on someone's recovery.

What You'll Be Doing

• Cook and serve daily Apetito meals
• Prepare lunch and supper, including meals not provided by Apetito
• Support person-centred meal choices and dietary needs
• Give daily feedback to the team about resident engagement and wellbeing
• Maintain infection control and food safety standards
• Ensure safe food storage and stock rotation
• Comply with environmental health requirements
• Assist with menu planning, food ordering and meal-related invoicing
• Support residents who volunteer in the kitchen, following care plans and safety guidance
• Report progress or concerns to Key Workers and Managers
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusive practice
• Safeguard vulnerable residents and respond appropriately to crises
• Maintain confidentiality and data protection standards
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and partners
• Follow all Health & Safety measures, including regular checks and risk assessments
• Participate in training, supervision and professional development

• Passionate about supporting people
• Interested in nutrition, wellbeing and recovery
• Patient, compassionate and non-judgemental
• A strong communicator and team player
• Organised, reliable and able to work independently
• Respectful of diversity and difference
• Calm and professional in unpredictable situations
• Creative and willing to get involved

You don't need previous experience in mental health. If you share our values of Caring, Safe, Creative and Aspirational, we'll provide the training and support to help you succeed.

Join a Team That Changes Lives

Every day, you'll help create a safe, welcoming environment where residents can grow in confidence, improve their wellbeing and take steps towards independence.

If you're looking for a role with purpose, growth opportunities and real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Our employees and clients come from all over the world. We proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture and are registered as a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our clients. All roles require an enhanced DBS check, two references from recent employers, and the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately we are unable to offer sponsorship.