At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in preparing meals and maintaining a clean kitchen environment.
- Company: Ventry Care, a supportive care home for older residents.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, bonuses, paid training, and flexible shifts.
- Other info: Opportunities for career advancement and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a difference in residents' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in a commercial kitchen and a caring attitude.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 13 £ per hour.
Ventry Care is recruiting a Kitchen Assistant to our kitchen in Highams Park E4. This care home, for 36 residents, cares for older persons / older persons living with dementia.
THE ROLE
We can offer between 3 and 6 shifts per week (18 - 36 hours), over a seven day rota, making this a flexible position to fit around a busy life. Long shifts are also available to those who wanted more weekly hours. The shifts are 08:00 to 14:00 or 13:00 to 19:00.
You will help the cook prepare a range of dishes and follow dietary guidelines for service users, preparing breakfast / lunch / supper. You will help the cook complete associated kitchen paperwork. You will be responsible for the organisation and cleanliness of the main kitchen, satellite kitchens, food store, fridges, freezers, and dining area.
DUTIES WILL INCLUDE HELPING WITH
- Breakfast preparation and service.
- Morning beverage preparation and service.
- Lunch preparation and service.
- Afternoon beverage preparation and service.
- Supper preparation and service.
- Cleaning kitchen equipment (pots, pans, kitchen utensils, ovens, work surfaces etc).
- Packing away deliveries and stock rotation.
- Other duties as directed by the cook.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU?
- Pay rates start at £12.71 per hour, and increase depending on your experience and qualifications.
- Paid holiday to 28 days.
- Staff recognition scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Assistance with London transport costs.
- Assistance with London accommodation costs.
- Workplace pension contributions through NEST.
- Free uniform.
- Paid mandatory training, and the opportunity for ongoing specialist training, e.g. advanced food hygiene / diabetes / dementia, to ensure you can professionally develop yourself, and best meet the care needs of this service user group.
- Career advancement opportunities to ensure you can enjoy a fulfilling career in this sector.
- Long service awards.
WHAT WE NEED YOU TO HAVE?
You will have experience working in a commercial kitchen environment. You will ideally have experience working with older people in residential care.
WHAT WE NEED YOU TO BE?
You are willing to learn, are flexible, patient, caring, organised, enthusiastic, compassionate, and great with people. You are extremely well organised with excellent multitasking skills and ability to work well under pressure, flexible with working shifts, including weekends, and possess excellent time management skills.
Kitchen Assistant employer: Ventry Care Homes
Ventry Care is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment in Highams Park where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of older residents, including those living with dementia. With flexible shift patterns, competitive pay starting at £12.71 per hour, and numerous benefits such as paid training, career advancement opportunities, and assistance with transport and accommodation costs, we prioritise your professional growth and well-being. Join us to be part of a compassionate team that values dedication and provides recognition for your hard work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen environment before your interview. If you can, pop by the care home and have a look around. It shows initiative and gives you a feel for the place, which can help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Brush up on preparing meals that cater to dietary needs. Being able to talk about your experience with specific dishes or dietary guidelines can really impress during the chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your organisational skills. Think of examples where you've kept a kitchen tidy or managed stock effectively. This is key in a busy kitchen, especially in a care home setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the extra step to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you genuinely care about working with older people and are excited about being part of our kitchen team.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience in commercial kitchens or working with older adults. We love seeing how your skills match what we're looking for, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strengths!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to structure your information well and avoid any fluff. This helps us get a quick understanding of who you are and what you bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Ventry Care!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ventry Care Homes
✨Know Your Kitchen Basics
Brush up on your culinary skills and kitchen terminology. Be ready to discuss your experience in a commercial kitchen, especially any specific dishes or dietary guidelines you've worked with. This shows you're not just a warm body but someone who knows their way around the kitchen.
✨Show Your Caring Side
Since this role involves working with older people, be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated patience and compassion in previous roles. Whether it's a story about helping a resident or simply being attentive to their needs, let your caring nature shine through.
✨Flexibility is Key
Highlight your ability to adapt to different shifts and tasks. The job requires flexibility, so mention any past experiences where you successfully managed changing schedules or took on various responsibilities. This will show that you're ready for the dynamic environment of a care home kitchen.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team you'll be working with, the types of meals you'll be preparing, or how they support staff development. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.