At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prepare and serve nutritious meals while ensuring cleanliness and food safety.
- Company: Join HC-One, a caring community focused on kindness in dementia and nursing care.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, paid DBS, free uniform, and access to discounts and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while learning and growing in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Some kitchen experience required; NVQ2 in Catering or willingness to study for one.
- Other info: Full training provided; inclusive workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
In your role as a Kitchen Assistant at HC-One, you will value one thing above all: kindness. It carries across every aspect of our Dementia, Nursing, Residential and Specialist care homes. Every single person who works here understands that our Residents are people just like them with their own stories to tell. By joining HC-One, you will have a wonderful opportunity to give something back to those people.
Please be aware this role is for 36 hours per week and requires full flexibility due to the nature of care. As a Kitchen Assistant, this will mean helping to prepare and serve nutritious, healthy meals that our residents will love. You will demonstrate the highest standards in cleanliness, food safety and hygiene. Whether you are maintaining food supplies and fridge/freezer temperatures, showing new starters how to use the equipment or scrubbing that last bit of spilled food from inside the oven, you will always have Resident wellbeing in mind above anything else.
HC-One are looking for a Kitchen Assistant with some kitchen experience, but what is for certain is that you will have either an NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation or the willingness to study for one. Great record keeping and organisational skills will be essential, as will the ability to follow recipes. Whenever you communicate with a Resident or co-worker, you will be truly considerate and kind.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and therefore it is important that you are able to recognise the signs which may indicate possible abuse, harm or neglect in its different forms and know what to do if there are any concerns. All colleagues are required to attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role and to undertake additional training in associated areas. You also have the ability to seek appropriate advice and report concerns, including escalation if action is not taken.
We will provide full training, so it is a great opportunity to learn something new. In return, you will enjoy access to a huge variety of benefits and services to support your physical and psychological well-being. Throughout your career as a Kitchen Assistant, we will invest in you and you will enjoy additional support and benefits including:
- Hourly rate is subject to experience and qualifications.
- Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG
- Free uniform
- During a shift of eight hours or more, a nutritious meal will be available
- Company pension scheme
- 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
- Group life assurance cover
- Wagestream - financial wellbeing and flexible access to pay as you need it
- Award-winning learning and development and support to achieve qualifications.
- GP online - a service providing around the clock GP consultation via an interactive app - available to you and your children under 16
- An opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues as part of an outstanding and committed team.
- Colleague discounts - Access to over 1600 high street discounts including carefully selected discount partners.
- Wellbeing - free of charge access to an independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme. This gives Colleagues and their family access to 24/7 365 support for a whole range of issues including physical, mental and financial issues
- Excellent recognition schemes such as Kindness in Care and Long Service Awards
- An attractive refer a friend scheme of up to £1000 per referral, depending on the role
We are passionate about ensuring that our current and future Colleagues can be their true selves, and that our workforce represents the communities we serve. We prioritise inclusive working practices and invite applicants from all backgrounds into our HC-One family and we are committed to providing the quickest possible turnaround from the point of making you a job offer to you starting with us on day one.
Kitchen Assistant employer: HC One
Contact Detail:
HC One Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Show your passion for kindness and care during any interactions you have with the team or during interviews. HC-One values kindness above all, so demonstrating this trait can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with food safety and hygiene standards before your interview. Being knowledgeable about these practices will not only boost your confidence but also show that you take the role seriously.
✨Tip Number 3
If you have previous kitchen experience, be ready to share specific examples of how you've maintained cleanliness and followed recipes. This will demonstrate your practical skills and commitment to high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Express your willingness to learn and grow within the role. Mentioning your interest in obtaining an NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation can show your dedication to professional development and align with HC-One's investment in their staff.
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 key responsibilities and requirements for the Kitchen Assistant position. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Showcase Kindness: Since kindness is a core value at HC-One, make sure to reflect this in your application. Use examples from your past experiences where you demonstrated kindness and consideration towards others, especially in a care or kitchen environment.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have kitchen experience or qualifications like an NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation, be sure to mention these prominently in your CV and cover letter. If you are willing to study for such qualifications, express this commitment clearly.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to specifically address the qualities and skills mentioned in the job description. Emphasise your organisational skills, ability to follow recipes, and commitment to food safety and hygiene.
How to prepare for a job interview at HC One
✨Show Your Kindness
Since kindness is a core value at HC-One, make sure to demonstrate this during your interview. Share examples of how you've shown kindness in previous roles, especially in a care or kitchen environment.
✨Highlight Your Kitchen Experience
Even if you don't have extensive experience, be prepared to discuss any relevant kitchen work you've done. Mention specific tasks you've handled, such as food preparation or maintaining hygiene standards.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
If you don’t have an NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation, express your eagerness to study for one. Show that you're committed to personal and professional growth, which aligns with HC-One's investment in their staff.
✨Understand Safeguarding Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the basics of safeguarding in a care setting. Be ready to discuss how you would recognise and respond to signs of abuse or neglect, showing that you take resident wellbeing seriously.