At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents' wellbeing through meal preparation and engage them in healthy eating.
- Company: Response, a leading provider of mental health services and supported living.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, professional development, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with basic food hygiene knowledge and a desire to help others.
The predicted salary is between 25325 - 27378 £ per year.
Our mission at Response is to enable people of all ages to live a more fulfilled life by providing excellent mental health services, housing, and supported living. Do you have the desire to empower and promote independence and an interest in mental health?
Response is looking for an enthusiastic, friendly and approachable person to join the Rowan House team. Rowan House is home to 25 residents with acute mental health needs. Our roles offer employees variety where every day is different whilst also giving a great sense of pride seeing the positive impact you can have on others. Our clients are with Response to gain skills in living independently, while also focussing on improving their mental health. Response's aim is to enhance co-production working between staff and residents so we work together to develop Response's activities and services.
We want you to support us to support our clients in looking after their physical health and wellbeing through diet and nutrition.
Overall job responsibility:
- Provide staple meals for residents.
- Work with the support team to engage with residents around their physical health and wellbeing of diet and nutrition.
- Oversee the daily running of the in-house catering provided by Apetito including heating and serving of Apetito meals on a daily basis.
- Oversee the daily preparation of lunch and supper meals including meals not provided by Apetito on a daily basis.
- Ensure the residents have a person-centred approach with regards to their meal choices and that their dietary needs are taken into consideration when planning menus.
- Assist management with the menu planning and ordering process for food deliveries.
- Keep a clean and tidy work environment to comply with food and hygiene safety regulations.
- Support residents who wish to volunteer kitchen duties in accordance with their care plans, risk assessments and food safety guidance.
The Successful Applicant:
Our main priority is to find people who can live our values every day: Caring, Safe, Creative and Aspirational. We provide excellent training on everything else, but we do ask that you can:
- Build relationships and be friendly, compassionate, respectful, patient and empathetic towards others.
- Basic Food Hygiene knowledge.
- Willingness to work towards Level 2 if not already obtained.
- Care for others and support them in challenging times.
- Work calmly and methodically, with organisational, written and verbal skills.
- Have respect for difference and diversity.
- Use IT, with a basic knowledge of Word and Outlook.
If you feel you would be an ideal candidate but don’t have all the essential criteria, we would still like to hear from you.
What We Offer:
- 25 days annual leave pro rata and standard bank and public holidays.
- Blue Light card and other discounted shopping.
- Employee Assistant Plan - with access to free counselling.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Enhanced family friendly leave.
- Professional qualification sponsorship and study leave.
- £500 refer a friend bonus scheme.
- Optional health cash care plan with money off prescriptions and treatments.
- Wellbeing hub and mental wellbeing support app approved by NHS.
- Free flu jabs.
- Free DBS application.
You will receive the training and confidence to use core therapeutic talk therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Strength-based Trauma Informed Care and Mutual Aid to provide the best possible support to our clients.
If this Supported Housing Catering Assistant position sounds like the role for you then we would love to hear from you! Please apply today as this vacancy may be closed early.
Closing date 02/02/2026. All our roles require a DBS check, two references from most recent employers and you must have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, Response are not able to offer sponsorship under the points based system. Should you apply for the role and require sponsorship, you will be withdrawn from the recruitment process.
Our employees and clients come from all over the world, we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture and are registered as a Disability Confident Employer. We welcome applications from individuals with a range of neurodivergent thinking styles and from those who might need reasonable adjustments. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our clients.
Supported Housing Catering Assistant employer: Response
Response is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and residents. With generous benefits like 37 days of annual leave and ample opportunities for professional development, you will find a rewarding environment in Oxford where your contributions truly make a difference in the lives of those facing mental health challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supported Housing Catering Assistant
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Response, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Response. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Response's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Supported Housing Catering Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Response. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Response.
How to prepare for a job interview at Response
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Response.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Supported Housing Catering Assistant at Response.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Response that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Supported Housing Catering Assistant role.
