At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our kitchen team to prepare and serve nutritious meals for residents.
- Company: Optalis, a caring organisation supporting adults in Wokingham and Burghfield Common.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, full training, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Stable employment with a supportive team and a focus on personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Willingness to gain hospitality qualifications and food safety knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
We are looking for people to join our kitchen teams at our nursing and care homes in Wokingham and Burghfield Common. Our care teams provide support to older people living with dementia, and nursing care for people aged 65 and over who are living with long term health conditions. As part of our kitchen team, you will contribute to the health and well-being of the people we support, in getting to understand preferences and helping to prepare and serve nutritious meals. We do not offer sponsorship and are unable to recruit anyone on a skilled worker visa.
Main duties of the job
We are hiring Kitchen Assistants to work full-time (37) or part-time (30) hours each week - the role is shift based and includes working alternate weekends. Our homes are located:
- Suffolk Lodge - Wokingham RG40 1DH (part-time)
- The Hollies - Burghfield Common RG7 (full-time)
There will be opportunities for overtime around sickness and annual leave to supplement your income. As a dedicated Kitchen Assistant, you will support our Cook to prepare nutritious meals for the people we support. Your work will help maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety in our kitchen. You will either have or be willing to gain a City and Guilds level 1 in Hospitality and Catering, as well as a Food Safety level 2. Previous experience would be beneficial to help you adapt to a busy environment, but a positive attitude, compassion and a desire to get involved are crucial to what we look for in our people. Full training and support will be provided for all successful candidates, including classroom sessions at our Head Office, online learning and shadow shifts to help you develop for the role.
About us
Optalis is a LATCo (Local Authority Trading Company) jointly owned by Wokingham Borough Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Optalis delivers adult social care on behalf of the two local authorities. We have nearly 70 services across the WBC and RBWM boroughs, supporting adults with learning disabilities to live independently, providing dementia and nursing care for older people and offering reablement services to help people return home from hospital. We provide stable employment and opportunities to develop yourself and advance your career. Optalis is not an agency and we do not offer sponsorship.
Job responsibilities
- To support the kitchen team in preparing and serving meals for everyone, ensuring each person's independence, choice, rights, and fulfilment are at the heart of every dining experience. This includes giving special care to individual dietary needs and preferences.
- You’ll also help maintain a safe, clean, and hygienic kitchen that meets all health and safety standards.
- Assist in the preparation and serving of meals to those we support in accordance with dietary requirements and preferences.
- Ensure a clean and organised kitchen and dining area, adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Clear away and wash up after mealtimes.
- Promote safe working practices within the kitchen areas.
- Work with and create effective working relationships with all other staff in the home, to understand the needs and preferences to enhance the dining experience.
- Participate in training and development programs to improve food and safety skills and knowledge of nutrition.
- Understand and work within emergency and fire procedure policies and any other risk assessments.
- Follow reporting procedures to report any faulty appliances, damaged crockery, equipment or any other potential hazard.
Person Specification
- You will either have or be willing to gain a City and Guilds level 1 in Hospitality and Catering.
- You will either have or be willing to work towards Food safety level 2.
- Basic knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards.
Entitlement To Work
Must reside in the UK and hold entitlement to work - either British citizenship or a valid work visa with at least 12 months remaining. We are not offering sponsorship with this role.
Experience
- Previous experience in a catering or kitchen role.
- Effective communication skills to interact effectively with those we support and colleagues.
- Ability to follow instructions.
- Ensures tasks are completed safely and correctly.
- Effective time management and record keeping skills.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing tasks and schedules within the kitchen.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Kitchen Assistant in Wokingham employer: Optalis Limited
Optalis is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of older adults in Wokingham and Burghfield Common. With comprehensive training programs, opportunities for career advancement, and a strong commitment to employee well-being, you'll find a fulfilling role as a Kitchen Assistant that not only values your contributions but also fosters personal growth and development.
