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- Tasks: Assist the Chef in preparing nutritious meals and maintaining kitchen hygiene.
- Company: Excelcare is a family-owned care home group with over 34 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, free parking, and paid uniform, plus bonuses for referrals.
- Why this job: Join a compassionate team making a real difference in residents' lives through food.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, NVQ Level 2 preferred, and excellent interpersonal skills required.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with a rota provided in advance; work alternate weekends.
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: £12.00 per hour
- Hours: 16 hours a week
- Shifts: Rota basis from 10am - 6pm, 10am - 2pm AND from 2pm - 6pm, Monday - Sunday. You will receive your rota in advance.
- You will be required to work alternate weekends.
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.
- Funded qualifications via the apprenticeship programme (where required).
- Paid uniform.
- Employee of the month - £100 for outstanding contribution.
Kitchen Assistant employer: Excelcare Holdings
Contact Detail:
Excelcare Holdings Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements and preferences of the elderly. Understanding these needs will not only help you in your role but also show your potential employer that you are genuinely interested in providing excellent care.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain some hands-on experience in a kitchen environment, especially in catering for large groups. Volunteering or working part-time in similar settings can give you valuable insights and skills that will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations. Being well-versed in these areas will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your interpersonal skills during any interactions you have with the team or during the interview process. Being able to communicate effectively and work well with others is key in a care home setting.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Kitchen Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that match what Excelcare is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in catering or kitchen environments, especially if you have worked with large numbers or have specific qualifications like NVQ Level 2. Use examples to demonstrate your passion for cooking and food preparation.
Showcase Interpersonal Skills: Since the role involves working closely with residents and team members, make sure to mention your interpersonal skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully communicated and collaborated in past roles, particularly in a care or hospitality setting.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your CV and cover letter. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Excelcare Holdings
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for preparing fresh, homemade meals. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your love for cooking and how it can positively impact the residents' dining experience.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Hygiene Standards
Since maintaining excellent hygiene is crucial in a kitchen environment, be prepared to discuss your knowledge of food safety practices. Mention any relevant training or certifications you have, such as Basic Food Hygiene.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
As a Kitchen Assistant, you'll be part of a team. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully worked with others in a fast-paced environment, especially during busy meal times.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you would handle specific situations, such as dietary requirements or equipment issues. Think about past experiences where you had to problem-solve or adapt quickly, and be ready to share those examples.
