At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in preparing and serving nutritious meals for young people in a secure environment.
- Company: Kyloe House Secure Children's Home, dedicated to supporting vulnerable youth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Full training provided; must pass background checks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Reliability, teamwork, and a commitment to high standards are essential.
The predicted salary is between 21752 - 26586 £ per year.
Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference to young people's lives? We are seeking a reliable and enthusiastic Kitchen Assistant to join our team within Kyloe House Secure Children's Home.
Working as part of our catering service, you will help provide nutritious meals and refreshments for young people and staff, ensuring food is prepared, served, and delivered safely while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and customer care.
About the Role
As a Kitchen Assistant, you will support the day-to-day operation of a busy kitchen, assisting with food preparation, meal service, cleaning, stock control, and the safe storage of food supplies. You will play an important part in creating a positive dining experience for the young people in our care whilst contributing to a safe and supportive environment.
Kitchen staff are required to follow strict inventory control procedures, ensuring designated kitchen utensils and equipment are accounted for throughout each shift. This forms an important part of maintaining a safe and secure environment for the young people in our care.
Current Shift Pattern
The kitchen operates 7 days a week. The current working pattern is based on a two-week rolling rota:
- Week 1: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday
- Week 2: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Please note that this role includes regular weekend working as part of the rota.
What We're Looking For
- Is reliable, hardworking, and committed to high standards.
- Enjoys working as part of a team.
- Has a positive and customer-focused approach.
- Can work safely and effectively in a busy kitchen environment.
- Is able to undertake the physical aspects of catering work, including manual handling and lifting duties.
- Understands the importance of following security procedures and maintaining accurate records within a secure environment.
Essential Requirements
- Ability to follow straightforward verbal and written instructions.
- Ability to maintain basic records.
- Ability to work effectively within a commercial kitchen environment.
- Commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness, food safety, and customer service.
Desirable
- Basic Food Hygiene Certificate.
- NVQ Level 1 or 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking, or equivalent.
- Previous experience in a catering or food service environment.
Why Join Us?
Working within a Secure Children's Home offers the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team that supports the health, wellbeing, and care of vulnerable young people. Full training and support will be provided, and you'll play an important role in delivering a high-quality service every day.
Important Information
As this post is based within a Secure Children's Home, the successful applicant will be required to undergo safer recruitment pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, employment references, and other background and security checks appropriate to working within a secure children's residential setting. Appointment will be subject to these checks being completed satisfactorily.
Northumberland County Council’s (NCC) vision is ‘Land of Great Opportunities’, for current and future generations. We believe there is no better place to live and work. This is a unique opportunity to lead Northumberland's vision for inclusion, supporting schools and settings to develop innovative approaches that enable more children and young people with SEND to thrive in their local communities.
Benefits and Perks
We have some outstanding benefits and perks to offer you, including:
- 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees)
- Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
We're proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format, please see the alternative methods below.
Alternative Application Format
British Sign Language: northumberlandcc-cs.signvideo.net
For those with speech difficulties or hearing loss: Text relay service dial 018001 01670 623930
Kitchen Assistant - Kyloe House in Morpeth employer: Northumberland Fire Group
Joining Kyloe House Secure Children's Home as a Kitchen Assistant means becoming part of a compassionate team dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable young people. With comprehensive training, generous annual leave, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, you will find a supportive work culture that values your contributions and fosters personal growth. Located in Northumberland, this role offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful work while enjoying the benefits of a secure and nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant - Kyloe House in Morpeth
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Northumberland Fire Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Northumberland Fire Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Northumberland Fire Group directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant - Kyloe House in Morpeth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Northumberland Fire Group and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northumberland Fire Group
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
