Kitchen Assistant

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Kitchen Assistant to join our internal agency team on a flexible contract. 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 Agency & Each Other Care 

Each Other Care is a family-owned care home group that owns and manages a community of homes across Lancashire, South Yorkshire, Essex, and Scotland (Cumbernauld and Forfar). At Each Other Care, our purpose is to create meaningful lives for those we support, providing compassionate nursing, dementia, and residential care tailored to both elderly residents and younger adults with complex needs.

To help ensure consistent, person-centred care across all our homes, we have recently introduced our own internal agency group. This flexible team includes colleagues in care, kitchen, domestic, and leadership roles, and provides high-quality, values-led support to our homes at short notice. By drawing on familiar, highly trained team members, our internal agency helps maintain continuity of care and a sense of community for both residents and team members.

We are guided by and share the values of Each Other Care:  Being positive and light-hearted, to Create relationships, Being authentic and Being there for each other, are embedded in everything we do, and guide the way we work together in supporting residents, relatives and health professionals 

What is different about Each Other Care Agency? 

We take great pride in ensuring our agency team members feel valued and integrated into the homes they support. Alongside the benefits of flexible contracts, we provide agency team members with the same level of support and resources as our permanent team members, such as 
- Personalised Onboarding:  You will be onboarded with the same care and attention as our permanent team members. 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. 
- Access to shifts real-time: You will be part of our internal rota planning system (Connecteam) which means you can claim shifts and update your availability real time, at your convenience.  
- Dedicated line management: You will be assigned a primary home, where you are likely to work most of your shifts. The home manager will work closely with your line manager, Jack Marrow, who is our agency consultant, providing specific feedback and guidance to ensure you settle well in the home and for ongoing support.  
- Guidance and development: You will benefit from quarterly guidance and development conversations with our agency lead, to support your personal and professional development. 

About the role:
As a Kitchen Assistant within our internal agency, you will play a crucial role in supporting our care homes during staffing shortages. 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.

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.

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