At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in preparing delicious, nutritious meals and create a positive dining experience for residents.
- Company: Orchard Care Homes, dedicated to exceptional care and community.
- Benefits: Career development, discounts, recognition schemes, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with clear progression pathways and a commitment to your growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on residents' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Cook/Kitchen Assistant, preferably in a care home setting.
The predicted salary is between 25400 - 25400 £ per year.
It’s true what they say, the kitchen is the heart of the home. At Orchard Care Homes, our kitchens are no different. They are at the centre of all our homes and provide delicious, and nutritious home cooked meals for everyone.
Location: Penwortham Grange & Lodge Care Home - Martin Field Road, Penwortham, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 9HL
Kitchen Assistant – 33 hrs available per week
Rates of Pay: £12.21 per hour
Why Orchard? We don’t just want to be the provider of choice; we want to be the employer of choice. Here at Orchard Care Homes our foundations are built on 6 core values; Enjoy Life, Welcoming, Kind, Professional, Positive and Respectful.
What You’ll Be Doing
A quality kitchen experience has positive benefits on the physical and mental wellbeing of our residents and you will help deliver personalised menu plans that ensures everyone is treated with dignity and that individual’s rights to privacy, independence and choice are met.
At Orchard Care Homes we believe in the continued learning and development of our support teams and a career with us offers you an opportunity to broaden your skills and knowledge. Your professional development will be actively encouraged, and exciting opportunities will emerge to progress your career further within the company.
You will have what it takes to nurture, encourage and care. Making a meaningful contribution to someone’s life is fulfilling, demanding, requires flexibility, professionalism and skills. You will help our residents enjoy every day by making sure they receive the quality nutritional experiences they deserve.
You will assist in the preparation of a range of meals to suit individual tastes and requirements, you will demonstrate a caring nature towards others. You will have Cook/Kitchen Assistant experience preferably gained in a care home setting. Engaging with residents in a friendly and kind manner, ensuring their dietary preferences and needs are met, and creating a positive dining experience for everyone.
Everything You’ll Love
- Career development from day one, with clear progression pathways
- Hundreds of colleague discounts every month across shopping, holidays, dining, tech, and more
- Excellent employee recognition schemes such as ‘Making a Difference” award and Long Service Awards
- Free emotional, practical, and financial support that’s fully confidential, through an Employee Assistance Programme helpline and wellbeing app that’s available 24/7, all year round
- Company-supported pension scheme to invest in your future
- Fully funded DBS check
About Orchard Care Homes
Rated ‘Good’ by CQC, Penwortham Grange & Lodge is a purpose-built, modern and bright residential care home in Penwortham, only 10 minutes away from Preston town centre. Orchard Care Homes has been providing care for older people for over 15 years. We are committed to being at the heart of the local community and delivering the same level of care that we would all wish for our loved ones.
We believe in investing in our people. Your professional development will be actively encouraged, with plenty of training and progression opportunities across our portfolio of homes.
Apply today
If you’re ready to bring your compassion, energy, and dedication to a role that truly makes a difference, apply today and help us provide the kind of care every person deserves.
We proudly support the Armed Forces community and welcome applications from veterans, reservists, and military spouses as part of our commitment to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We value the unique skills and experiences that service personnel bring and are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
Care Kitchen Assistant – Growth, Compassion & Home Cooking in Preston employer: Orchard Care Homes
At Orchard Care Homes, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing work environment where compassion and professional growth are at the forefront. Located in the welcoming community of Penwortham, our care home not only provides competitive pay and extensive employee benefits but also fosters a culture of kindness and respect, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported in their career journey. With clear pathways for advancement and a commitment to ongoing training, joining us means becoming part of a dedicated team that truly makes a difference in the lives of our residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care Kitchen Assistant – Growth, Compassion & Home Cooking in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Orchard Care Homes. Understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you connect with them during your chat and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or family member. Think about how your past experiences relate to the role of Kitchen Assistant and be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and compassion.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! When you go for your interview, make sure you look presentable and professional. A neat appearance shows that you respect the opportunity and are serious about the role. Plus, it’ll boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the Kitchen Assistant position!
We think you need these skills to ace Care Kitchen Assistant – Growth, Compassion & Home Cooking in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Care:When writing your application, let your passion for caring for others shine through. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in a kitchen environment, especially in a care home setting.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the values of Orchard Care Homes. Highlight how you embody qualities like kindness, professionalism, and respect, as these are at the heart of what we do.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; be specific about your kitchen assistant experience. Mention any relevant skills or tasks you've handled that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orchard Care Homes
✨Know Your Kitchen Basics
Brush up on your kitchen skills and knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with meal preparation, dietary needs, and how you can contribute to creating a positive dining experience for residents.
✨Emphasise Compassion and Care
Orchard Care Homes values kindness and compassion. Prepare examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities in previous roles, especially in a care home setting. Show that you understand the importance of nurturing and supporting residents.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Orchard's core values: Enjoy Life, Welcoming, Kind, Professional, Positive, and Respectful. Think of specific instances where you've embodied these values in your work, and be ready to share them during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their approach to resident care, opportunities for professional development, or how they foster a supportive team environment. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment.