Kitchen Assistant

Kitchen Assistant

Oxford Full-Time No home office possible
The Orders of St John Care Trust

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create delicious meals and snacks for our residents while ensuring kitchen hygiene.
  • Company: Join a compassionate, not-for-profit care provider with nearly 1,000 years of experience.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 28 days holiday, free uniform, and discounts through the Blue Light Card.
  • Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for training and career growth.
  • Why this job: Make mealtimes special for residents and be part of a caring team.
  • Qualifications: No formal experience needed; just a passion for cooking and good hygiene.

Kitchen Assistant – Location: Townsend House Care Home, Headington, OX3 9NX
Pay rate: £13.14 per hour (weekend and NVQ enhancements available)
Contracted hours: 24 hours per week
Shift pattern: Mixed days, working alternate weekends

About the Role

We’re currently recruiting for a Kitchen Assistant to join our passionate, hard‑working and friendly catering team, to create delicious meals, snacks and drinks for our residents. You’ll get to know our residents, understand their likes and dislikes so that mealtimes are always a highlight of their day. In joining us, you’ll also become part of our extended family. You’ll work alongside other team members who are passionate about providing care, warmth and kindness to all those who live and work in our homes. Located in the Headington area of Oxford is Townsend House, offering compassionate residential, early‑stage dementia, respite and day care for 45 residents.

Benefits

  • 28 days holiday (including Bank Holidays)
  • A workplace pension
  • Free uniform
  • Free DBS
  • Higher rates of pay at weekends
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
  • Refer a Friend scheme rewarding you up to £1000 for every recommendation you make who successfully starts working for us
  • Blue Light Card and ‘My Rewards’ programme, offering you discounts on shopping, days out, restaurants and much more

About You

You don’t need to have previous formal catering experience, as we’ll give you the training you need, although it would be helpful if you hold a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate. What we’re looking for is someone who is keen on cooking and takes pride in kitchen hygiene standards. You’ll have a positive can‑do approach, good communication skills and a passion for ensuring our residents receive the best service possible. You’ll be confident in engaging with our elderly residents to understand their individual needs and enjoy being part of the wider team in the home.

We reserve the right to close this role before the closing date, with no advance notice. We encourage you to complete an application as soon as possible if interested.

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Kitchen Assistant employer: The Orders of St John Care Trust

At Townsend House, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment where our Kitchen Assistants can thrive. With competitive pay rates, comprehensive training, and a strong focus on employee well-being, we ensure that our team members feel valued and empowered to make a difference in the lives of our residents. Located in the heart of Headington, Oxfordshire, our not-for-profit organisation reinvests in our staff and facilities, providing unique benefits such as a generous holiday allowance, access to discounts, and a friendly, family-like atmosphere.
The Orders of St John Care Trust

Contact Detail:

The Orders of St John Care Trust Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Townsend House and its values. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their family.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Think about common interview questions for a Kitchen Assistant role and rehearse your answers. Focus on your passion for cooking and how you can contribute to creating delightful meals for the residents.

✨Tip Number 3

Show your personality! During the interview, let your positive can-do attitude shine through. Remember, they’re looking for someone who fits into their friendly team, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Townsend House. So, what are you waiting for? Get that application in!

We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
Cooking Skills
Kitchen Hygiene Standards
Communication Skills
Positive Attitude
Teamwork
Engagement with Elderly Residents
Understanding Individual Needs

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Cooking: When writing your application, let us know why you love cooking! Share any experiences or moments that made you realise how much you enjoy being in the kitchen. This will help us see your enthusiasm for the role.

Highlight Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be engaging with our lovely residents, it's important to showcase your communication skills. Mention any relevant experiences where you've interacted with people, especially in a caring or supportive environment.

Emphasise Team Spirit: We’re all about teamwork here at Townsend House. Make sure to include examples of how you’ve worked well in a team before. We want to know how you contribute to a positive atmosphere!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Orders of St John Care Trust

✨Know the Role Inside Out

Before your interview, make sure you understand what being a Kitchen Assistant entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description, like creating meals and engaging with residents. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested.

✨Show Your Passion for Cooking

Since the role involves cooking, be prepared to discuss your love for food and any relevant experiences, even if they’re informal. Share stories about meals you've enjoyed preparing or how you maintain kitchen hygiene standards. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.

✨Engage with Empathy

The job is all about the residents, so think about how you can connect with them. Prepare examples of how you've interacted with elderly individuals or provided care in the past. Showing that you understand their needs and can communicate well will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they ensure a positive environment for both staff and residents. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in being part of their community.

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