At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents by providing nutritious meals and engaging in their health and wellbeing.
- Company: Response, a leading mental health service provider with a focus on empowerment.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, discounts, professional development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible hours, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, team experience, and basic food hygiene knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 19191 - 20503 £ per year.
Our mission at Response is to enable people of all ages to live a more fulfilled life by providing excellent mental health services, housing, and supported living. Do you have the desire to empower and promote independence and an interest in mental health?
Response is looking for an enthusiastic, friendly and approachable person to join the Rowan House team. Rowan House is home to 25 residents with acute mental health needs. Our roles offer employees variety where every day is different whilst also giving a great sense of pride seeing the positive impact you can have on others. Our clients are with Response to gain skills in living independently, while also focusing on improving their mental health.
Overall Job Responsibility:
- Provide staple meals for residents.
- Work with the support team to engage with residents around their physical health and wellbeing of diet and nutrition.
- Oversee the daily running of the in-house catering provided by Apetito including heating and serving of Apetito meals on a daily basis.
- Oversee the daily preparation of lunch and supper meals including meals not provided by Apetito on a daily basis.
- Ensure the residents have a person-centred approach with regards to their meal choices and that their dietary needs are taken into consideration when planning menus.
- Assist management with the menu planning and ordering process for food deliveries.
- Keep a clean and tidy work environment to comply with food and hygiene safety regulations.
- Support residents who wish to volunteer kitchen duties in accordance with their care plans, risk assessments and food safety guidance.
The Successful Applicant:
- GCSEs in English and Maths (or equivalent).
- Experience of working within a team.
- Basic Food Hygiene knowledge.
- IT literate with experience using MS Office packages.
- Previous experience working within a service providing meals to residents or in the community.
- Good communication skills, written, verbal and listening.
- Ability to engage with and build appropriate working relationships.
- Ability to act calmly in a professional manner whilst dealing with unpredictable and challenging behaviour.
- Demonstrate respect for difference and diversity.
If you feel you would be an ideal candidate but don't have all the essential criteria, we would still like to hear from you.
What We Offer:
- 37 days annual leave pro rata (Inclusive of Bank Holidays).
- Blue Light card and other discounted shopping.
- Employee Assistant Plan – with access to free counselling.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Enhanced family friendly leave.
- Professional qualification sponsorship and study leave.
- £500 refer a friend bonus scheme.
- Optional health cash care plan with money off prescriptions and treatments.
- Wellbeing hub and mental wellbeing support app – approved by NHS.
- Free flu jabs.
- Free DBS application.
You will receive the training and confidence to use core therapeutic talk therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Strength-based Trauma Informed Care and Mutual Aid to provide the best possible support to our clients.
If this Supported Housing Catering Assistant position sounds like the role for you then we would love to hear from you! Please apply today as this vacancy may be closed early. Closing date – 04/06/2026
All our roles require a DBS check, two references from most recent employers and you must have the right to work in the UK – unfortunately Response is not able to offer sponsorship under the points-based system. If you apply for the role and require sponsorship, you will be withdrawn from the recruitment process. Our employees and clients come from all over the world, we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture and are registered as a Disability Confident Employer.
Supported Housing Catering Assistant in Oxford employer: CIH International Housing Group
Contact Detail:
CIH International Housing Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supported Housing Catering Assistant in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Response and their mission. Understanding their values and how they support mental health will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Supported Housing Catering Assistant role. Personal connections can make a big difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to catering and mental health support. Think about how you can demonstrate your skills and experience in a way that aligns with the job description. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Response team and making a positive impact on residents' lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Supported Housing Catering Assistant in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for mental health and supporting others in your application. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you to empower individuals and promote independence.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in catering and working with diverse groups. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your food hygiene knowledge and teamwork abilities!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re a great fit for the Supported Housing Catering Assistant role. Mention specific aspects of our mission that resonate with you and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at CIH International Housing Group
✨Know Your Stuff About Mental Health
Make sure you brush up on mental health topics relevant to the role. Understanding the challenges faced by residents can help you connect better during the interview. Show your passion for empowering others and how you can contribute to their independence.
✨Demonstrate Your Catering Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with meal preparation and dietary needs. Think of examples where you've catered to specific requirements or worked in a team to provide meals. This will show that you’re not just about cooking, but also about caring for the residents' well-being.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics at Rowan House. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you too.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a support team, highlight your teamwork experiences. Share stories where you’ve collaborated effectively, especially in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to work harmoniously in a supportive environment.