At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head Chef in delivering top-notch food service and maintaining cleanliness.
- Company: Avocet Court Care Home is a leading care home in Ipswich, known for exceptional standards.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 28 days holiday, and discounts with the Blue Light Card.
- Why this job: Join a caring team, engage with residents, and make a real difference in their lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen is preferred; NVQ Level 2 in Food Hygiene is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible shifts on a rota basis, with opportunities for personal growth and training.
As a Kitchen Assistant at Avocet Court Care Home, you will be responsible for supporting the Head Chef to provide a high-quality food service within the home, ensuring that high standards are achieved to meet the needs of the residents.
About Avocet Court Care Home:
Situated in a residential nook in Ipswich, our 115-bedroom Avocet Court Care Home is surrounded by beautiful gardens. As one of the top residential care homes, we provide exceptional standards of care. We’re proud to have an award-winning activities team and a newly refurbished café that is the heart of our home.
About the role:
Reporting to the Head Chef, the Kitchen Assistant will work to ensure the catering services and dining experiences are of the highest standard and quality for our residents – this includes the maintenance of public areas, such as the café area, and providing refreshments for our residents and their guests.
Salary: £11.44 per hour.
Shift Pattern: 33.75 hours per week, worked on a rota basis from Monday to Sunday.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
- Support the Head Chef to ensure the catering services and residential dining experience is of the highest standard and quality.
- Assist the Head Chef with meal service to the residents, ensuring the meals cater for the resident’s dietary requirements and the areas are clean and stocked appropriately.
- To actively engage with residents in conversation and meaningful occupation related to their lifestyle choices at a level and pace that values the individual and respects their dignity and communication differences.
- Ensure Health & Safety within the services team, residents and visitors meet the requirements of the Food Safety Manual and Health and Safety Manual.
Training, Skills & Experience Required:
- Experience of working within a kitchen environment, or have a catering background, ideally within a care environment but this is not essential.
- NVQ Level 2 in Food Hygiene is desirable.
- Reliable with excellent communication skills, and high attention to detail.
- Computer literate, with the ability to use basic Microsoft Office applications.
What we can offer:
- Fully comprehensive induction.
- Competitive salary, plus enhancements on bank holidays.
- 28 days of holiday per year.
- Free Blue Light Card & access to the Blue Light discount platform.
- Refer a friend scheme.
Contact Detail:
Athenacarehomes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs of residents in care homes. Understanding how to cater for various dietary restrictions will show your commitment to providing quality service.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the community around Avocet Court Care Home. Building connections with local suppliers or other care facilities can give you insights into best practices and enhance your knowledge of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your communication skills by practicing how to engage meaningfully with residents. Being able to converse and connect with them is crucial in this role, so consider role-playing scenarios with friends or family.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Food Safety Manual and Health and Safety regulations relevant to kitchen environments. Showing that you are knowledgeable about these standards will set you apart as a candidate who prioritises safety and quality.
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 the Kitchen Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what Avocet Court Care Home is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have experience in a kitchen environment or catering, make sure to emphasise this in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific roles or tasks that relate directly to the duties outlined in the job description.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role involves engaging with residents, it's important to demonstrate your communication skills. Include examples in your application that showcase your ability to interact positively with others, especially in a care setting.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role in a kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Athenacarehomes
✨Show Your Passion for Food and Care
Express your enthusiasm for working in a kitchen environment, especially in a care setting. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to providing high-quality food service and how you understand the importance of catering to residents' dietary needs.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since engaging with residents is a key part of the role, be prepared to discuss how you would interact with them. Provide examples of how you've communicated effectively in previous roles, particularly in a way that respects individual differences and promotes dignity.
✨Highlight Attention to Detail
The job requires a high level of attention to detail, especially regarding food safety and cleanliness. Be ready to talk about specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference in your work, whether in a kitchen or another environment.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Show your interest in the position by preparing thoughtful questions about the kitchen operations at Avocet Court Care Home. Ask about the team dynamics, the types of meals served, or how they ensure the quality of dining experiences for residents.