Kitchen Assistant

Job summary

The Kitchen Assistant supports the catering team to deliver safe, nutritious and appealing meals for residents, in line with individual dietary needs and preferences. The role ensures high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and kitchen safety are maintained at all times, contributing directly to residents’ health, wellbeing and daily quality of life.

The post holder works as part of the wider care team, recognising that good food, a clean environment and reliable service are essential elements of person-centred care.

Shift pattern accross 5 days Mon to Sunday -  8am - 3pm / 11am - 7pm / 2pm - 7pm (or similar)

This role will involve some weekends on a rota basis.

The post holder does not provide personal care but must work in a way that supports care delivery and respects residents’ dignity at all times.

•   Prepare all foodstuff, as directed by the Kitchen Lead/Head Chef
•   Assist and execute various kitchen duties such as ensuring cleaning schedules are adhered to
•   Assist in preparation and serving of all meals, in a timely manner
•   Liaise with care staff and service users in a polite and person-centred way

The Kitchen Assistant/Cleaner’s responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

·  Under the supervision of the Kitchen Lead/Head Chef, assist in identifying items to be ordered from specified suppliers to ensure enough levels of supplies for catering operation, using the service’s procedures

·  Operate an efficient stock control system

·  Ensure equipment supplied is used with care, in accordance with suppliers’ instructions and training

·  Ensure all equipment is in good working order and report any faults immediately. If any machine is felt to be dangerous/faulty, withdraw it from service immediately

·  Prepare food items under the guidance of the Kitchen Lead/Head Chef

·  Support the delivery and serving of food, if required

·  Understand the specific diets identified as required by service users, and share any dietary concerns with the Kitchen Lead/Head Chef

·  Be responsible for understanding health and safety requirements

·  Be clean, hygienic and well presented at all times

·  Any incidents or accidents to be reported to the Kitchen Lead/Head Chef, and appropriately recorded and actioned

·  Be responsible for promoting and protecting the welfare of those individuals supported by the service

·  Following IDDSI guidelines for texture-modified diets.

·  Recording and checking food temperatures.

·  Cleaning schedules linked to infection control.

·  Supporting kitchen audits and inspections.

·  Report immediately any concerns about a resident’s safety, wellbeing or dignity to the Nurse in Charge or Manager, in line with safeguarding procedures.