Kitchen Assistant

Kitchen Assistant

Penrith Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in preparing and serving healthy meals for residents while maintaining cleanliness and food safety.
  • Company: Join HC-One, a caring community dedicated to providing exceptional support in care homes.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, paid DBS, free uniform, 28 days leave, and access to discounts and wellbeing support.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while learning and growing in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Some kitchen experience is preferred; NVQ2 in Catering or willingness to study for one is required.
  • Other info: Full training provided; we value kindness and inclusivity in our team.

Please note that this is a part‑time role working 20.25 hours per week, full flexibility is required.

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

Everything you do will reflect your care for the Residents, always keeping their comfort and dignity front of mind.

Qualifications

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 towards 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

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.

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.

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. Our diverse workforce helps us learn from one another and better reflect the communities we serve. 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 is helping us streamline care, improve outcomes and make daily tasks more efficient. As we continue to grow our digital capabilities, we\’re looking for team members who are comfortable with technology—or open to learning. You\’ll be supported every step of the way.

We care about our colleagues and are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. From the moment you receive a job offer, we aim for the quickest possible turnaround to get you started, with full support every step of the way. With clear career pathways, continuous professional development and postgraduate programmes, HC‑One will invest in your growth, opening up opportunities at regional and national levels.

Please note: We are only able to consider applications from individuals who already have the full right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, 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.

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 round‑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 partners.
  • Wellbeing – free of charge access to an independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme. This gives colleagues and their families access to 24/7, 365 support for a wide range of issues, including physical, mental and financial.
  • Excellent recognition schemes such as Kindness in Care and Long Service Awards.
  • An attractive referral scheme of up to £1,000 per referral, depending on the role.

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Kitchen Assistant employer: HC ONE

At HC-One, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of kindness and compassion, making us an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our residents. As a Kitchen Assistant, you will benefit from comprehensive training, a supportive team environment, and a range of employee perks including flexible pay access, generous leave, and wellbeing resources. Join us in creating a nurturing atmosphere where your contributions are valued and rewarded.
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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 the interview process. This role is all about valuing residents as individuals, so demonstrating your understanding of this ethos can set you apart.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with food safety and hygiene standards before your interview. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about maintaining high standards in the kitchen.

✨Tip Number 3

If you have previous kitchen experience, be ready to share specific examples of your responsibilities and how you contributed to a positive team environment. This will highlight your teamwork skills, which are crucial in a kitchen setting.

✨Tip Number 4

Be prepared to discuss your willingness to learn and grow within the role. Mentioning your interest in obtaining an NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation can demonstrate your commitment to professional development and align with HC-One's values.

We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant

Kitchen Experience
NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation
Food Safety and Hygiene Standards
Record Keeping
Organisational Skills
Ability to Follow Recipes
Communication Skills
Kindness and Consideration
Understanding of Safeguarding Principles
Teamwork
Flexibility
Attention to Detail
Basic Cooking Skills
Time Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Kitchen Assistant at HC-One. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with their values, especially kindness and attention to detail.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your kitchen experience and any qualifications like NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation. Emphasise your organisational skills, ability to follow recipes, and commitment to food safety and hygiene.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working in a care environment. Mention how you can contribute to the wellbeing of residents and your willingness to learn and grow within the role.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

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 kitchen or care setting.

✨Highlight Your Kitchen Experience

Even if you have limited experience, emphasise any relevant skills or training you possess. Mention your NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation if applicable, and express your willingness to learn and grow in the role.

✨Discuss Food Safety and Hygiene

Be prepared to talk about your understanding of food safety and hygiene standards. You might be asked about specific practices, so brush up on these topics before the interview to show you're knowledgeable and responsible.

✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills

As a Kitchen Assistant, you'll need to keep things organised. Share examples of how you've managed tasks or maintained records in previous jobs. This will show that you can handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.

Kitchen Assistant
HC ONE
Location: Penrith
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