At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in delivering a warm, high-quality dining experience for residents.
- Company: Join Augustinian Care, a supportive team with over 150 years of experience in elderly care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, uniform, and staff transport.
- Other info: Full training provided, with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in residents' lives while working in beautiful surroundings.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and a Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 preferred.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
The Company
Are you looking for a rewarding career in catering, working with a friendly and supportive team, with great staff benefits and all set in beautiful surroundings? Here at Augustinian Care we have two purpose-built care homes located at St George’s Park. Our homes offer the best in modern facilities combined with the traditional principles of care which have been offered by the Augustinian Sisters at St George’s since 1868. Our two sixty-bed Care Homes are based in St George’s Park, Ditchling Common, within 3 miles of both Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill, set within 250 acres of beautiful gardens and farmlands, in an area of outstanding natural beauty with views overlooking the South Downs. Our teams play a vital role in delivering a warm, professional and resident-focused experience every day. From hospitality and housekeeping to care and catering, we take pride in maintaining high standards, treating everyone with dignity and respect, and fostering a strong sense of community. We believe great environments are created by great people, and we are passionate about supporting our staff to grow, feel valued and make a meaningful difference. You will have access to our excellent training programme, and we pride ourselves on a continuous improvement plan for all our new and existing staff to ensure they have the ongoing knowledge, skills and commitment to become and continue to be a successful, valued member of our team. Our rates of pay are competitive, and our staff benefits are extensive and include free uniform, free meal, paid breaks and a free staff minibus service from both the Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath areas.
Benefits
- Competitive remuneration
- Job security - Augustinian Care have been caring for the elderly for over 150 years
- Annual pay reviews
- Free uniform provided - for all care and ancillary positions
- Free staff transport - mini bus pickups on specified routes
- Free on-site secure parking
- DBS checks - company funded checks
- Free meal - one free meal provided when on duty (hot for day shifts and sandwiches on nights)
- Life Cover - based on a multiple of the last 12 months earnings at date of death
- Employee Assistance Programme including free, confidential access to an advice line and counselling
- Access to Blue Light Card – extensive range of discounts on many high street & online brands/shops
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee Referral Scheme - with generous rewards (T&C's apply)
- Long service awards - financial recognition of long service and commitment
- Paid sick leave (T&C's apply)
- Some other staff benefits include: staff massage chair, company summer fete and Christmas party, staff prize draws, various staff well-being talks
The Role
We are currently recruiting for both a Kitchen Assistant and a Dining Room Assistant to join the catering team in St Rita’s Care Home. As a Dining Room Assistant, you will help deliver a friendly, high-quality dining experience that residents can look forward to each day. You will support the preparation, presentation and service of meals, refreshments and snacks, ensuring they are attractively served and delivered with warmth, professionalism and care. From setting up inviting dining areas to providing room service and supporting special events, you will help create a welcoming, restaurant-style atmosphere within the home. Working closely with the kitchen team, you will maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, food hygiene and safety while always being attentive to residents’ individual needs and preferences. Your role is central to making every mealtime a positive and enjoyable experience, promoting comfort, dignity and a sense of community for residents and visitors alike. Our Kitchen Assistants support the smooth running of our care home kitchen, helping to prepare and serve meals for residents, staff, and visitors. Working alongside the Chef, you will assist with basic food preparation (including vegetables, salads and sandwiches), meal service and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food hygiene. Key responsibilities include washing and storing kitchen equipment, keeping food storage areas organised, receiving and checking deliveries, completing daily temperature and cleaning checks and ensuring full compliance with health, safety and COSHH regulations. You may also assist with special events and functions as required.
Working hours
Both positions are full-time, contracted to 40 hours per week on a 4-week rolling roster; this includes alternate weekends. Shifts times: 08:00 - 19:00
Requirements
The successful candidate will:
- Have at least 1 year’s experience of working within a catering function.
- Have the flexibility to be rostered to any day of the week, including weekends.
- Hold a Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 or be prepared to study for this as part of the role requirements.
- Have previous experience working within a Care Home environment would be desirable in understanding the needs of our residents however full training will be provided.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and display a positive and flexible aptitude to team working.
- Have the ability to work efficiently and work well under pressure.
All posts are subject to a clear enhanced criminal record check and satisfactory references. Although it is no longer a legal requirement for staff working within CQC regulated Care Homes for Older Adult Care in England to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated, in the best interests of our staff and residents we have decided to keep it a mandatory requirement to work for our organisation. Therefore we will need proof of your COVID vaccination pass. You must have current valid right to work in the UK. This role does not meet the requirements of Sponsorship.
Kitchen / Dining Room Assistant (Care Home) employer: ANH
Augustinian Care is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career in catering within a supportive team environment set in the stunning surroundings of St George’s Park. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive pay, and extensive benefits including free meals, transport, and ongoing training, we ensure our staff feel valued and empowered to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents. Join us in creating a warm, community-focused atmosphere where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen / Dining Room Assistant (Care Home)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Augustinian Care. Understand their values and what makes them tick. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your experience aligns with the role of Kitchen/Dining Room Assistant. Highlight your teamwork skills and any relevant catering experience to impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress to impress! Even though it’s a care home, looking smart and professional can make a great first impression. It shows that you respect the opportunity and are serious about joining their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a nice touch that reflects your professionalism!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen / Dining Room Assistant (Care Home)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Care:When writing your application, let your passion for working in a care environment shine through. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to providing a warm and professional dining experience for residents.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Kitchen/Dining Room Assistant. Highlight your catering experience and any skills that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description, like food hygiene and teamwork.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality, so don’t be afraid to let it come through while keeping it professional!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our fantastic benefits!
How to prepare for a job interview at ANH
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Kitchen/Dining Room Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like meal preparation, service, and maintaining hygiene standards. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since this role involves working closely with residents and team members, be prepared to discuss your interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've created a positive dining experience or worked effectively in a team. Highlighting your ability to connect with others will demonstrate that you fit well within their community-focused environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you would handle specific situations, such as dealing with a resident's dietary needs or managing a busy mealtime. Think of relevant experiences from your past roles and be ready to explain your thought process and actions clearly.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions about the team culture, training opportunities, or how they support staff development. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
