Kitchen Assistant (Care Home)

About the role

Join the compassionate team at Goldenley Care Home in South Benfleet, providing high‑quality meal experiences for residents. As a Kitchen Assistant you will support the Chef in delivering nutritious, freshly prepared meals in a caring environment.

Key responsibilities

• Assist the Chef in preparing and cooking meals for residents, following scheduled meal plans and individual dietary requirements.
• Maintain excellent hygiene standards and adhere to food safety regulations.
• Support the dining experience during mealtimes, ensuring residents’ preferences are respected.
• Inspect kitchen equipment, report any faults, and ensure safe handling of food and chemicals.
• Apply Health & Safety, Basic Food Hygiene, COSHH and cross‑infection guidelines throughout the kitchen.

Required profile

• Experience cooking for large groups, preferably in a care or catering setting.
• NVQ Level 2 in Catering/Hospitality or equivalent experience.
• At least 2 years of experience in a catering environment and 12 months managing a kitchen.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a passion for preparing fresh, homemade food.

Required skills

• Food hygiene
• COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
• Health & safety compliance
• Kitchen equipment operation

What we offer

• £13.85 per hour (16 hours per week, shift pattern 10 am‑2 pm & 2 pm‑6 pm, including two weekends per month).
• 28 days holiday including bank holidays.
• Free on‑site parking and enhanced pay for bank holidays.
• Referral scheme (£500 per successful referral).
• DBS certificate paid by employer.
• Comprehensive induction, funded qualifications and apprenticeship opportunities.
• Paid uniform, employee‑of‑the‑month award (£100) and team appreciation week.