Kitchen Assistant in Essex

In your role as a Kitchen Assistant at HC-One, 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. Every 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

• Some kitchen experience and a real passion for helping others
• Either an NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation or a willingness to work towards it
• Strong organisational skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to follow recipes and record information accurately
• Every time you interact with a Resident or co‑worker, you’ll show patience, respect, and genuine kindness

Please note: We are only able to consider applications from individuals who already 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 criteria will not be progressed.

Safeguarding

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.

Benefits

• 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
• 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