At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with food prep, clean kitchen areas, and interact with residents.
- Company: Join a council-owned partner dedicated to community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, generous leave, training, and career progression.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for recognition and growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in residents' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen preferred; strong teamwork and communication skills needed.
The predicted salary is between 24791 - 24791 £ per year.
Location: Wokingham
Date posted: 12/06/2026
Salary: £24,791.39 FTE, 30 hours per week, Part-time, contractual.
Job reference: OPR0000754
We are a council‑owned partner for Wokingham Borough Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead. We are not a private provider or employment agency.
Key Responsibilities- Assist with basic food preparation.
- Clean kitchen equipment and dining areas.
- Wash dishes, cutlery and cooking utensils.
- Store food deliveries safely and correctly.
- Follow all health and safety regulations.
- Interact warmly and respectfully with residents.
- Experience in a commercial kitchen preferred.
- Knowledge of basic food hygiene rules.
- Ability to work well in teams.
- Strong communication and listening skills.
- Reliable approach to timekeeping and shifts.
- Pass a mandatory background check (DBS).
- 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.
- Voice in the service and forums to be heard and make a difference.
- Star awards – a reward scheme recognising staff who have gone the extra mile.
- A generous pension scheme.
We anticipate this being a popular role and reserve the right to close early if a large volume of applications occurs. We advise you not to wait until the closing date to submit your interest.
Optalis is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of 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. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The DBS clearance level required is Enhanced with Adult Barred list.
For advice and information on disclosing criminal records, contact Nacro's support service on 0300 123 1999 or helpline@nacro.org.uk.
Kitchen Assistant - Suffolk Lodge in Wokingham employer: Optalis
At Suffolk Lodge, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and inclusive employer, offering a rewarding work environment for our Kitchen Assistants. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we provide a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, a health and wellbeing day, and opportunities for professional development. Our commitment to recognising hard work through initiatives like the Star awards ensures that every team member feels valued and has a voice in shaping our service.
