At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist chefs in preparing meals and maintaining a clean kitchen environment.
- Company: Join Bupa, a caring company dedicated to health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, free meals, and access to health support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a vibrant care home.
- Why this job: Make a difference in residents' lives through delicious food and care.
- Qualifications: Passion for food and previous kitchen experience required.
The predicted salary is between 14.1 - 14.1 £ per hour.
Location: The Sidcup Care Home, 2-8 Hatherley Road, Sidcup DA14 4BG
Contract: Permanent - Full Time
Hours: 20 hours per week, including some weekends
Salary: £13.10 - £14.10 per hour depending on experience
CQC rating: Good
Carehome.co.uk rating: 9.6 / 10
The Sidcup offers nursing and residential care, both long-term and short stay care. The home is purpose-built with modern comforts and conveniences. It prides itself on its warm and homely environment where residents can relax and feel safe inside the home and in the gardens. All bedrooms have en suite facilities and are furnished to a high standard.
The home consists of two floors, with dining rooms and lounges on each floor. The home also benefits from its own cinema lounge, large well-maintained gardens, its own hairdressing salon, and private lounge, ideal for family events and celebrations.
At mealtimes, a wide range of nutritious dishes are offered, always made with fresh ingredients. Residents' dietary needs and personal preferences are always taken into account by the chef.
As well as regular, organised activities such as quizzes, bingo, film afternoons, board games and arts and crafts sessions, trips out to local places of interest, visiting entertainers and pantomimes, as well as tai chi and holistic massage and aromatherapy.
We make health happen. Here at Bupa, we support those when they need it the most. Our care homes are dedicated to delivering person-centred care, supporting independence and honouring choice to help our residents live their best lives. Our fantastic Kitchen Team are the magic behind each delicious dish we serve our guests. They are passionate about all things food and take great pride in each dish they prepare. We are looking for an equally passionate Kitchen Assistant to join the team and help deliver an excellent dining experience for our residents.
You will help us make health happen by:
- Acting as the link between the main kitchen and our residents
- Assisting the chefs to plate meals, prepare food trolleys and ensure all preparation areas are kept clean and tidy
- Monitoring stock rotation, complying with company policies and procedures following all mandatory COSHH and HACCP guidelines
- Assisting with catering for special events such as summer BBQs and Christmas parties
Key Skills / Qualifications needed for this role:
- A passion for food with previous experience working in a kitchen and a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate.
- You want to deliver an excellent service at each meal and make our residents feel at home.
- You will understand the importance of maintaining high standards in and around the home, ensuring our residents enjoy a pleasant dining experience.
- Working with the wider kitchen and care home teams - you're comfortable communicating with others, cherishing the little moments with our residents.
Benefits:
Our benefits are designed to make health happen for our people. Viva is our global wellbeing programme and includes all aspects of our health - from mental and physical, to financial, social and environmental wellbeing. We support flexible working and have a range of family friendly benefits.
Joining Bupa in this role you will receive the following benefits and more:
- My Healthcare - Free access to 24/7 support, advice, and treatment for a variety of health-related issues, including remote GP appointments, physiotherapy and mental health support
- Annual allowance which you can redeem against a menu of Bupa healthcare products, all to the approximate value of £350
- Wagestream - Have early access to up to 40% of your earned wages within minutes
- 28 days holiday
- We offer a sick pay scheme to our frontline teams, as an addition to statutory sick pay, to help provide some reassurance and financial support during longer absences.
- Long service - For every milestone at Bupa we will reward you with ecards, extra holidays and money!
- Free meal on every shift
- Interest-free annual travel loan to enable the purchase of public transport annual season tickets
- We offer a range of Bupa pension plans - find out more on our career site
- Parental leave - We have schemes for adoption, birth parents and co-parents - find out more on our career site
- Menopause Plan - Specifically designed to empower women to seek advice, choose their treatment and take control of their health
- Access to discounts at a wide variety of gyms and fitness facilities across the UK
Why Bupa?
We're a health insurer and provider. With no shareholders, our customers are our focus. Our people are all driven by the same purpose - helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world. We make health happen by being brave, caring and responsible in everything we do.
We encourage all of our people to 'Be you at Bupa', we champion diversity, and we understand the importance of our people representing the communities and customers we serve. That's why we especially encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Bupa is a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer. This means we aim to offer an interview/assessment to every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the role. We'll make sure you are treated fairly and offer reasonable adjustments as part of our recruitment process to anyone that needs them.
Kitchen Assistant in Sidcup employer: Bupa
Bupa Mindplace in Dartford is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. With flexible shifts and a focus on delivering high-quality therapy, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that encourages growth and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those passionate about mental health care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant in Sidcup
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Bupa. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Bupa
Don't be shy about reaching out to Bupa directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant in Sidcup
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Bupa and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bupa
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
