Kitchen Assistant Kitchen Assistant

As a Kitchen Assistant, you'll play an essential role in delivering high‑quality care through food. You'll help prepare and serve nutritious, well‑balanced meals that support the health and wellbeing of our residents - many of whom have specific dietary needs. Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with meal preparation under the direction of the Chef or Cook
• Serving meals with warmth and respect in a timely and friendly manner
• Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen, including equipment and surfaces
• Monitoring and recording food storage temperatures (fridges, freezers, etc.)
• Supporting stock rotation and ensuring ingredients are properly stored
• Showing new team members how to safely use kitchen equipment
• Washing up and ensuring the kitchen remains spotless - even after a busy lunch rush

Everything you do will reflect your care for residents, always keeping their comfort and dignity front of mind. We'll provide full training – a great opportunity to learn something new. In return, you will enjoy access to a wide variety of benefits and services to support your physical and psychological well‑being throughout your career.

• Some kitchen experience and a real passion for helping others.
• Either an NVQ2 in Catering or Food Preparation, or a willingness to work towards it.
• Strong organisational skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to follow recipes and record information accurately.
• Patience, respect, and genuine kindness when interacting with residents or co‑workers.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. You must recognise signs of possible abuse, harm or neglect and know what to do if there are any concerns. All colleagues are required to attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role and undertake additional training in associated areas. You will also seek appropriate advice and report concerns, including escalation if action is not taken.

• We are curious – asking questions, seeking to understand.
• We are compassionate – walking in the shoes of others.
• We are creative – finding practical ways to make things happen.
• We are courageous – supporting residents to live the life they choose.
• We are dependable – people can always count on us.

We champion inclusivity, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and prioritise inclusive working practices across everything we do.

We are enhancing the way we support residents through digital care planning. This technology helps us streamline care, improve outcomes, and make daily tasks more efficient. As we grow our digital capabilities, we seek team members who are comfortable with technology or open to learning.

We care about our colleagues and are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. From the moment you receive a job offer, we aim for the quickest possible turnaround to get you started, with full support every step of the way. With clear career pathways, continuous professional development, and postgraduate programmes, HC-One will invest in your growth – opening up opportunities at regional and national levels.

£12.60 to £13.10 per hour. Hourly rate is subject to experience and qualifications.

• Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG
• Free uniform
• During a shift of eight hours or more, a nutritious meal will be available
• Company pension scheme
• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Group life assurance cover
• Wagestream – financial wellbeing and flexible access to pay as you need it
• Award‑winning learning and development and support to achieve qualifications
• GP online – a service providing around‑the‑clock GP consultation via an interactive app, available to you and your children under 16
• An opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues as part of an outstanding and committed team
• Colleague discounts – access to over 1600 high street discounts including carefully selected discount partners
• Wellbeing – free of charge access to an independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme; 24/7 365 support for a range of issues including physical, mental and financial
• Excellent recognition schemes such as ‘Kindness in Care’ and Long Service Awards
• Attractive refer‑a‑friend scheme up to £1,000 per referral, depending on the role

Newcastle‑upon‑Tyne

Department:
Fleming Court

Specialism:
Catering

Job Family:
Home Support Services