At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist the Chef with food prep, cooking, and maintaining kitchen hygiene.
- Company: CareTech, a leading provider of person-centred care in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, up to 28 days holiday, free DBS check, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Join a friendly team with clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for helping others.
Location: Hampshire
Salary: £12.71 per hour
Permanent | Part-time | 22.5 hours per week (rota-based)
We are unable to consider Skilled Worker or Student Visa applicants for this role or offer sponsorship.
‘Extraordinary Days, Every Day’
At CareTech, we are committed to delivering Extraordinary Days, Every Day through high-quality, person-centred care. Our focus is on empowering independence, building confidence and life skills, and supporting people to live fulfilling lives in environments that best suit their needs.
We are recruiting a cook to join our service in Hampshire, supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs. Whether you’re new to care or experienced, this is an opportunity to build a rewarding, long-term career - and truly make a difference!
About the Service – Uplands House Care Home
Uplands House is a nurse-led care home comprising of 20 individual rooms with en-suites and 4 self-contained flat lets with an in-house psychology team for people with long-term mental health needs. This service supports males and females 18+ with long-term mental health needs including any physical health conditions including those with co-morbid diagnoses, a secondary diagnosis of Learning Disability, Autism and Asperger’s.
Main Responsibilities:
- Assist the Chef with daily kitchen operations, food preparation, cooking, and meal service
- Maintain high standards of hygiene, food safety, and kitchen cleanliness
- Complete kitchen documentation, including temperature checks, logs, and safety records
- Monitor stock levels, storage, labelling, rotation, and expiry dates
- Support stock ordering, deep cleaning, and pest control procedures
- Help manage the kitchen in the Chef’s absence with support from the team
- Ensure compliance with health and safety, fire safety, and manual handling procedures
- Report faulty equipment, maintenance issues, and incidents professionally
- Work collaboratively with the team and communicate any concerns effectively
- Maintain confidentiality, follow policies and procedures, and complete mandatory training
- Ensure the security of keys, alarms, and communication equipment
- Take responsibility for personal development and ongoing training needs
This is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties following appropriate discussion with their line manager.
Requirements
- Ability to work unsociable hours on a rota basis
- Enhanced DBS required (paid for by CareTech)
What We Offer
- Recommend A Friend Bonus
- Up to 28 Days Holiday, inclusive of Bank Holidays
- Free DBS Check
- Blue Light Card
- Stakeholder Pension
- Free Employee Assistance Programme
- Annual Employee Awards Evening
- Employee Recognition Schemes
- Ongoing training with clear career progression opportunities, including access to qualifications up to degree level
- CareTech Foundation - Opportunity to apply for family and friend’s grant
Our Values
- Friendly
- Positive
- Innovative
- Empowering
- Person-Centred
Apply today to join a friendly, empowering organisation committed to person-centred support and creating Extraordinary Days, Every Day.
About CareTech
Founded in 1993, CareTech is one of the largest and most reputable specialist social care and special education needs providers across the UK. The Group has a track record of more than 30 years, delivering high quality, person-centred care to those with complex needs. The Group was founded by brothers Haroon and Farouq Sheikh, who continue to lead CareTech today, providing continuity of leadership, long term stability and a deep personal commitment to the people we support.
CareTech Community Services are proud to inform you that they are a Disability Confident Leader.
Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 7–10 days. Some roles may require male or female employees only, where this is a genuine occupational requirement in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Strictly no agencies.
Kitchen Assistant / Catering Assistant employer: CareTech UK
CareTech is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering work environment in Hampshire. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer ongoing training and clear career progression opportunities, alongside generous benefits such as up to 28 days of holiday, a free DBS check, and an Employee Assistance Programme. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we support while enjoying a friendly and innovative workplace culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant / Catering Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research CareTech and their values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your approach during interviews and show how you align with their mission of delivering extraordinary care.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to kitchen operations and teamwork. Think about examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in food safety and collaboration.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant / Catering Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Care:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for supporting others. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you to work in care, especially with adults who have learning disabilities or mental health needs.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your kitchen skills, teamwork experience, and any previous roles that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read and understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will be processed more efficiently, and you'll be one step closer to joining our friendly team at CareTech!
How to prepare for a job interview at CareTech UK
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Kitchen Assistant or Catering Assistant. Familiarise yourself with tasks like food preparation, hygiene standards, and kitchen documentation. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Passion for Care
Since this position involves supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs, be prepared to discuss why you want to work in care. Share any relevant experiences or personal motivations that highlight your commitment to person-centred support.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in a kitchen environment. Think of examples where you've worked well in a team, especially under pressure. Highlight your communication skills and how you can contribute to a positive atmosphere in the kitchen.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful ones about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or the specific challenges faced in the kitchen. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is right for you.
