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- Tasks: Assist the Chef in preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents.
- Company: Excelcare is a family-owned care home group with over 34 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, free parking, and a £500 referral bonus.
- Why this job: Join a compassionate team making a real difference in residents' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, NVQ Level 2 or equivalent, and excellent interpersonal skills required.
- Other info: Paid uniform and opportunities for funded qualifications available.
We are looking for a Kitchen Assistant to join our Willows Care Home, Milton Keynes. You will become part of a compassionate and welcoming team providing physical, emotional, and social support and most importantly outstanding meal experiences for the people living in our care home. Your dedication, reliability and support will make a difference every day.
Excelcare is a family-owned care home group established for over 34 years. We provide the highest standards of care to older people with a range of needs including dementia, physical disabilities, and mental health issues. By joining us you will become one of the ‘family’ and in return for your dedication and hard work you can expect:
- Salary: £12.85 per hour
- Hours: 35 hours per week Monday - Sunday (minus 1 hour unpaid lunch). Hours between 7am-6pm
About the role:
- As a Kitchen Assistant, you will be required to assist the Chef to prepare and cook nutritious, healthy meals using fresh ingredients for the people living in our care home.
- Work to scheduled meal plans paying attention to individual dietary requirements.
- Always maintain excellent standards of hygiene.
- Work in a fast-paced environment and support at mealtimes with the dining experience.
- Respecting choice and preferences of the people we care for.
- Check kitchen equipment and report any concerns or faults to the Chef.
- Understanding of Health & Safety, particularly in respect of Basic Food Hygiene, COSHH, safe moving and handling and working within guidelines relating to cross infection.
What we are looking for from you:
- Experience of cooking for large numbers.
- A passion for preparing and assisting with cooking of fresh, tasty, homemade food.
- NVQ Level 2 OR (qualified by experience) in catering and hospitality.
- 2 years’ experience in a catering environment.
- 12 months experience in managing a kitchen.
- Excellent interpersonal skills as you will be involved in meaningful interactions.
What we offer in return for your hard work:
- 28 Days holiday including bank holidays.
- Free on-site parking.
- Enhancement to pay on bank holidays.
- Refer a Friend Scheme rewarding £500 for every person you refer.
- DBS certificate paid by Excelcare.
- Comprehensive induction programme.
- Funded qualifications via the apprenticeship programme (where required).
- Paid uniform.
- Employee of the month - £100 for outstanding contribution.
- Team appreciation week.
If you are interested in the position, please apply online today – we look forward to hearing from you.
Kitchen Assistant employer: Excelcare Holdings
Contact Detail:
Excelcare Holdings Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements and preferences of the residents in care homes. Understanding these needs will not only help you during the interview but also show your genuine interest in providing excellent meal experiences.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Be ready to discuss how you managed your time effectively and maintained high hygiene standards, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your passion for cooking and food preparation. You might want to share examples of dishes you've created or how you've contributed to meal planning in past roles, which can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Excelcare and their values before your application. Being able to articulate why you want to work for them specifically, and how you align with their mission of providing compassionate care, can make a strong impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Kitchen Assistant. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that match what Excelcare is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in catering or kitchen environments, especially if you have worked with large numbers or have specific qualifications like NVQ Level 2 in catering and hospitality.
Show Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm for preparing fresh, homemade food and your commitment to providing outstanding meal experiences. Use specific examples from your past work to illustrate your passion for cooking and caring for others.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, make sure to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Excelcare Holdings
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for preparing fresh, homemade meals. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your love for cooking and how it can positively impact the residents' dining experience.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Hygiene Standards
Since maintaining excellent hygiene is crucial in a kitchen environment, be prepared to discuss your knowledge of food safety practices. Mention any relevant training or certifications you have, such as Basic Food Hygiene.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
As a Kitchen Assistant, you'll be part of a team. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully worked with others in a fast-paced environment, especially during busy meal times.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, such as dietary restrictions or equipment malfunctions. Think through potential scenarios in advance and how you would respond to ensure the best outcomes for the residents.
