Kitchen Assistant

Location: On site / Chigwell, UK
Job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Hospitality Food and Beverage / Restaurant
Hourly Fixed salary: £13.45

We are looking for a Kitchen Assistant to join our Sherrell Care Home, Chigwell, Essex. You will become part of a compassionate and welcoming team providing physical, emotional, and social support and most importantly outstanding meal experiences for the people living in our care home. Your dedication, reliability and support will make a difference every day.

Excelcare is a family owned care home group established for over 34 years. We provide the highest standards of care to older people with a range of needs including dementia, physical disabilities, and mental health issues. By joining us you will become one of the 'family' and in return for your dedication and hard work you can expect:

• Salary: £13.45 per hour
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Shifts: 8.30am - 6.30pm
• Included working every other weekend.

About the role

• Assist the Chef to prepare and cook nutritious, healthy meals using fresh ingredients for the people living in our care home.
• Work to scheduled meal plans, paying attention to individual dietary requirements.
• Always maintain excellent standards of hygiene.
• Work in a fast paced environment and support at mealtimes with the dining experience.
• Respect the choice and preferences of the people we care for.
• Check kitchen equipment and report any concerns or faults to the Chef.
• Understand Health & Safety, particularly in respect of Basic Food Hygiene, COSHH, safe moving and handling, and working within guidelines relating to cross infection.

What we are looking for from you

• Experience of cooking for large numbers.
• A passion for preparing and assisting with cooking of fresh, tasty, homemade food.
• NVQ Level 2 in catering and hospitality, or equivalent qualification by experience.
• 2 years' experience in a catering environment.
• 12 months experience in managing a kitchen.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, as you will be involved in meaningful work with residents and staff.

What we offer in return for your hard work

• 28 days holiday including bank holidays.
• Free on-site parking.
• Enhancement to pay on bank holidays.
• Refer a Friend Scheme rewarding £500 for every person you refer.
• DBS certificate paid by Excelcare.
• Funded qualifications via the apprenticeship programme (where required).
• Paid uniform.
• Employee of the month reward of £100 for outstanding contribution.
• Team appreciation week.
• Blue Light Card reimbursement, providing access to a wide range of discounts.