At a Glance
- Tasks: Support our Chef in preparing nutritious meals and maintaining kitchen cleanliness.
- Company: Join Optalis, a community-focused care provider dedicated to supporting individuals with dementia.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, generous leave, health days, and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with a voice in the service and recognition for your efforts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of residents while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Willingness to gain City and Guilds Level 1 in Hospitality and Catering.
The predicted salary is between 12.85 - 12.85 £ per hour.
We are seeking a dedicated Kitchen Assistant to join our residential care home team. You will support our Chef to prepare nutritious meals for the individuals we support. Your work will help maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety in our kitchen.
Assist with basic food preparation. You will either have or be willing to gain a City and Guilds Level 1 in Hospitality and Catering and Food Safety Level 2. This role requires cover for 5 days a week, working 9am - 3pm on set days Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday weekly.
Suffolk Lodge provides a safe, welcoming environment where people living with dementia can enjoy life with the right support around them. Our purpose built, two-storey building set within the heart of Wokingham, provides residential care for up to 28 older people living with dementia, and a single room for a short break (respite) service. We also have a dedicated wing with 8 rooms for short-term support, helping people to recover from hospital stays and regain skills and confidence to be able to return home. We are located within easy walking distance to Wokingham Town Centre and well connected to community facilities such as cafés, the library, and churches. Residents can enjoy shared lounges, conservatories and dining rooms, as well as attractive gardens that provide a safe and relaxing outdoor space.
Benefits:
- A Perkbox rewards package offering discounts on cinema, shopping, health, travel and insurance
- 25 days annual leave (pro rata) rising annually to a maximum of 30 days with 8 bank holidays, and an extra day off for your birthday
- An additional health and wellbeing day
- A comprehensive paid training and development programme
- Excellent career progression opportunities and support
- As a valued and integral member of the team you will have a voice in the service and forums to be heard and make a difference
- STAR awards - a reward scheme which recognises staff who have gone the extra mile
- A generous pension scheme
Optalis is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our staff and customers. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a DBS check and will need to provide proof of their right to work in the UK. We anticipate this being a popular role and therefore reserve the right to close early should there be a large volume of applications. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The DBS clearance level required is Enhanced with Adult Barred list.
Kitchen Assistant in Wokingham employer: Optalis Ltd
At OPTALIS LTD, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where compassion and dedication are valued. Our team members benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring that you grow in your role while making a meaningful impact in the lives of elderly individuals in Wokingham and Burghfield Common. Join us to be part of a caring community that prioritises both employee well-being and exceptional patient care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant in Wokingham
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Optalis Ltd and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Optalis Ltd that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Optalis Ltd.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Optalis Ltd get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optalis Ltd
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Optalis Ltd and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
