Kitchen Assistant in Bridport

Join us to apply for the Kitchen Assistant role at HC‑One. In your role as a Kitchen Assistant, you’ll value one thing above all: kindness. It’s the thread that runs through everything we do in our Dementia, Nursing, Residential, and Specialist care homes. Each person who works with us understands that our Residents are individuals with their own life experiences, families, and stories. By joining HC‑One, you’ll have the chance to make a meaningful difference every day — giving something back to those who have given so much throughout their lives.

Responsibilities:

• Assisting with meal preparation under the direction of the Chef or Cook
• Serving meals with warmth and respect in a timely and friendly manner
• Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen, including equipment and surfaces
• Monitoring and recording food storage temperatures (fridges, freezers, etc.)
• Supporting stock rotation and ensuring ingredients are properly stored
• Showing new team members how to safely use kitchen equipment
• Washing up and ensuring the kitchen remains spotless — even after a busy lunch rush

Qualifications & Experience:

We’re looking for someone with some kitchen experience and a real passion for helping others. You’ll need either an NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation or a willingness to work toward it. Strong organisational skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to follow recipes and record information accurately are essential. And most importantly, every time you interact with a Resident or co‑worker, you’ll show patience, respect, and genuine kindness. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, so you must be able to recognise the signs of possible abuse, harm or neglect and know what to do if there are concerns. All colleagues are required to attend safeguarding training and undertake additional training in associated areas. You should be able to seek appropriate advice and report concerns, including escalation if action is not taken.

About HC‑One:

At HC‑One, kindness is more than a word—it’s a way of life. We believe that caring for people means caring about what matters most to them, so we can support them to live their best possible lives. To Provide The Kindest Possible Care, Everyone At HC‑One Brings And Nurtures Five Key Qualities—what We Call Kindness The HC‑One Way:

• We are curious—asking questions, seeking to understand.
• We are compassionate—walking in the shoes of others.
• We are creative—finding practical ways to make things happen.
• We are courageous—supporting residents to live the life they choose.
• We are dependable—people can always count on us.

We champion inclusivity, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds into our HC‑One family and prioritise inclusive working practices across everything we do. We are also enhancing the way we support residents through digital care planning. This technology helps streamline care, improve outcomes, and make daily tasks more efficient. We look for team members who are comfortable with technology—or open to learning—and will be supported every step of the way. We care about our colleagues and are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. With clear career pathways and continuous professional development, HC‑One will invest in your growth.

Please note: We only consider applications from individuals who have the full right to work in the UK. We cannot offer sponsorship or accept applications from those on a time‑limited visa. Applications that do not meet this criterion will not be progressed.

Benefits:

• Hourly rate subject to experience and qualifications.
• Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG
• Free uniform
• Nutritious meal available if you work a shift of eight hours or more.
• 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 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.
• 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 partners.
• Wellbeing – free access to an independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme, providing 24/7 support for a wide range of issues.
• Excellent recognition schemes such as ‘Kindness in Care’ and Long Service Awards.
• Referral scheme – up to £1,000 per referral, depending on the role.