We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Kitchen Assistant to join Shawcross. You will be a valued member of the home’s team, supporting the Head Cook/Chef to prepare and serve nutritious, well-balanced meals that meet residents’ individual dietary needs and contribute to their overall wellbeing. You’ll be a valued part of the home’s daily life, helping to create a warm and welcoming mealtime experience each day. There may also be opportunities to work in other homes across the group, depending on your availability and preference. 

About Each Other Care

Shawcross is proudly part of Each Other Care group, a family-owned, values-led care provider that owns and manages a community of homes across Lancashire, South Yorkshire, Essex, and Scotland (Cumbernauld and Forfar).  Our company is run on simple but powerful purpose: to care for people in a way that contributes to a meaningful life. We provide quality nursing, dementia and residential care tailored to both elderly residents and younger adults. 

What is different about Each Other Care

Everything we do is grounded in our values: creating relationships, being authentic, positive and light-hearted and there for each other. Whether you live or work with us, you’ll find a supportive, purpose-driven community where everyone is encouraged to thrive; living our values in everything we do and guiding the way we work together to support residents, loved ones, our team and health professionals. 

We take great pride in all team members feel valued and integrated into the homes they support and actively encourage all our team members to shape how we continue to improve the care experience for our residents.  To support you in settling and thriving in your role and our home we offer: 

• Personalised Onboarding:  You will be onboarded with paid shadow shifts and the guidance of an in-house Buddy, ensuring you feel welcomed and part of our close-knit community from day one. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging, so you'll have all the support you need to thrive in your role.  

• Training:  You'll have access to all the training required for your role as a standard benefit. We ensure you receive comprehensive training to excel in your position, with a strong focus on your professional growth and development. Your success is our priority.  

• Guidance and development: You will benefit from quarterly guidance and development conversations with the home management team, to support your personal and professional development.  

About the role

As a Kitchen Assistant, your responsibilities will include assisting in meal preparation, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and dining areas, and adhering to food safety regulations. You will work closely with the Head Cook and kitchen team to ensure residents receive high-quality meals. This position requires flexibility, teamwork, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of hygiene. Your contribution will be vital in helping us provide exceptional care and support to our residents.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  

Food preparation and mealtime support

• Assist in preparing and serving meals that meet residents’ dietary needs, including special diets, allergies, and preferences. 

• Set up drinks and snacks in communal areas to support residents' nutrition throughout the day. 

• Support with basic cooking tasks and recipe preparation under the direction of the Head Cook/Chef. 

Environmental and Housekeeping Support

• Maintain high standards of kitchen cleanliness, including food preparation and storage areas. 

• Adhere strictly to food hygiene, infection control, and HACCP regulations. 

• Wash dishes, cutlery, and kitchenware to a hygienic standard. 

• Monitor stock rotation, label food items appropriately, and ensure all items are used within prescribed timeframes. 

• Report any stock shortages or food safety concerns to the Head Cook/Chef. 

• Safely dispose of food waste in line with hygiene and environmental health guidelines. 

Teamwork and Contribution to the Safe Running of the Home

• Work closely with the kitchen and care team to ensure meals are served on time and to the required standard. 

• Share feedback and contribute ideas on menu planning to better meet residents' needs and preferences. 

• Build relationships with residents to understand their food likes, dislikes, and needs. 

• Communicate any dietary changes, preferences, or concerns to the Kitchen and care team. 

• Follow all safeguarding, dignity, and choice principles during meal service. 

• Support in the dining room as needed, creating a calm and pleasant mealtime experience. 

Training and Safety

• Complete all assigned training, including online modules and mandatory in-person sessions. 

• Proactively uphold a culture of cleanliness, professionalism, and safety in the kitchen. 

• Report any hazards or maintenance issues immediately. 

REQUIREMENTS OF THE ROLE 

Qualifications & Experience

• Previous experience in a kitchen, catering, or hospitality setting is preferred but not essential, as full training will be provided. 

• A Food Safety Level 2 qualification is desirable, or willingness to complete it upon starting. 

• Basic cooking skills and the ability to follow recipes accurately. 

• Familiarity with common dietary needs (e.g. soft diets, allergies) would be helpful. 

Skills and Knowledge

• Awareness of food safety and hygiene standards, infection control, HACCP and COSHH procedures is preferred but not essential as full training will be provided. 

• Understanding of kitchen hazards (e.g. spills, burns, sharp objects) and safe working practices. 

• Ability to work efficiently, follow instructions, and support meal plans. 

• Willingness to learn and adapt to the needs of residents in a care setting. 

Values and Behaviours

• A compassionate and empathetic nature with a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of our residents, treating everyone we support with dignity and respect. 

• High personal standards in cleanliness, organisation, and food presentation. 

• A positive attitude and strong communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a dedicated home care team.  

• Flexible mindset and willingness to help and undertake a variety of activities to ensure the safe and calm running of the home including supporting residents when in the dining areas when required. 

• Efficient, tidy and proactive approach to undertaking activities required to keep a kitchen running smoothly 

Other

• Right to work in the UK. 

• Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS/PGV check. 

• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays. 

If you are passionate about making a difference to the life of elderly residents and enjoy working in a supporting kitchen environment, we would love to hear from you.