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- Tasks: Assist the Chef in preparing delicious meals and support residents during mealtimes.
- Company: Join a family-owned care home with over 34 years of experience in compassionate care.
- Benefits: Earn £12.85 per hour, enjoy 28 days holiday, and receive free on-site parking.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, passion for cooking, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for funded qualifications and employee recognition rewards.
The predicted salary is between 10 - 13 £ per hour.
We are looking for a Kitchen Assistant to join our Okeley Care Home in Chelmsford, 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: £12.85 per hour
- Hours: 20 hours a week between Monday – Sunday, with alternate weekends required
- Shifts: Varied shifts on a rota basis between the hours of 8am – 7pm
About the role:
- 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.
- Respect the choice and preferences of the people we care for.
- Check kitchen equipment and report any concerns or faults to the Chef.
- Understand Health & Safety, particularly 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, involved in meaningful communication with residents.
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 referred.
- 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.
If you are interested in the position, please apply online today – we look forward to hearing from you.
Kitchen Assistant in Chelmsford employer: Excelcare
Contact Detail:
Excelcare Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Okeley Care Home and Excelcare. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their family.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about common interview questions for a Kitchen Assistant role and rehearse your answers. Focus on your experience with cooking for large numbers and how you maintain hygiene standards. This will help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for preparing fresh, tasty meals come through. Share any personal stories or experiences that highlight your love for cooking and how you can contribute to creating outstanding meal experiences for the residents.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re keen on the role and helps keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When writing your application, let us know about your love for preparing fresh, tasty meals. Share any experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for cooking and how it can enhance the dining experience for our residents.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention your experience in catering, especially if you've cooked for large groups before. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those details!
Emphasise Teamwork Skills: Since you'll be part of a compassionate team, it's important to showcase your interpersonal skills. Talk about how you’ve worked well with others in past roles and how you can contribute to our family-like atmosphere.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Okeley Care Home!
How to prepare for a job interview at Excelcare
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you might be preparing. Research common dietary requirements and preferences, especially for older people. This shows your commitment to providing outstanding meal experiences.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in catering, especially cooking for large numbers. Share specific examples of how you've managed kitchen tasks or dealt with dietary restrictions to highlight your skills.
✨Emphasise Hygiene Practices
Since maintaining hygiene is crucial, brush up on basic food hygiene and safety protocols. Be prepared to talk about how you ensure cleanliness and safety in the kitchen, as this will demonstrate your reliability.
✨Connect with Compassion
Remember, this role is about more than just cooking. Think about how you can connect with residents and enhance their dining experience. Share any past experiences where you’ve made a positive impact on someone's day through food.
