At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist the Chef in preparing nutritious meals and ensuring a great dining experience.
- Company: Excelcare, a family-owned care home group with over 34 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 28 days holiday, free parking, and funded qualifications.
- Other info: Join a caring community with opportunities for growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, passion for cooking, and excellent interpersonal skills.
We are looking for a Kitchen Assistant to join our Goldenley Care Home in South Benfleet, Essex. You will become part of a compassionate and welcoming team providing physical, emotional, and social support and most importantly outstanding meal experiences for the people living in our care home. Your dedication, reliability and support will make a difference every day.
Excelcare is a family-owned care home group established for over 34 years. We provide the highest standards of care to older people with a range of needs including dementia, physical disabilities, and mental health issues. By joining us you will become one of the 'family' and in return for your dedication and hard work you can expect:
- Salary: £13.85 per hour
- Hours: 16 hours per week
- Shifts: 10.00am-2.00pm & 2.00pm-6.00pm (you will be given a combination of these shifts on a rota basis) including two weekends per month.
About the role:
- As a Kitchen Assistant, you will be required to assist the Chef to prepare and cook nutritious, healthy meals using fresh ingredients for the people living in our care home.
- Work to scheduled meal plans paying attention to individual dietary requirements.
- Always maintain excellent standards of hygiene.
- Work in a fast-paced environment and support at mealtimes with the dining experience.
- Respecting choice and preferences of the people we care for.
- Check kitchen equipment and report any concerns or faults to the Chef.
- Understanding of Health & Safety, particularly in respect of Basic Food Hygiene, COSHH, safe moving and handling and working within guidelines relating to cross infection.
What we are looking for from you:
- Experience of cooking for large numbers.
- A passion for preparing and assisting with cooking of fresh, tasty, homemade food.
- NVQ Level 2 OR (qualified by experience) in catering and hospitality.
- 2 years' experience in a catering environment.
- 12 months experience in managing a kitchen.
- Excellent interpersonal skills as you will be involved in meaningful interactions.
What we offer in return for your hard work:
- 28 Days holiday including bank holidays.
- Free on-site parking.
- Enhancement to pay on bank holidays.
- Refer a Friend Scheme rewarding £500 for every person you refer.
- DBS certificate paid by Excelcare.
- Comprehensive induction programme.
- Funded qualifications via the apprenticeship programme (where required).
- Paid uniform.
- Employee of the month - £100 for outstanding contribution.
- Team appreciation week.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
Kitchen Assistant in Castle Hedingham employer: Excelcare Holdings
Excelcare Holdings is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bromley, Kent, where you can thrive as a Construction Project Coordinator. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, we provide 25 days of holiday, a contributory pension scheme, and the chance to engage with diverse stakeholders in exciting real estate projects. Join us to be part of a supportive team that values your contributions and fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant in Castle Hedingham
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Excelcare Holdings and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant in Castle Hedingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Excelcare Holdings that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Excelcare Holdings.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Excelcare Holdings get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Excelcare Holdings
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Excelcare Holdings and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
