kitchen assistant (Nursing Home)

The Kitchen assistant is responsible for assisting the cook in preparing, cooking, and serving nutritious, appetizing meals for residents in accordance with established menus, dietary requirements, and safe food‑handling practices.

This role plays a key part in supporting residents’ health, comfort, and overall dining experience in a long‑term care environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and clean all areas, assisting residents.
• Ensure meals meet residents’ nutritional needs, texture modifications, allergies, and special diets.
• Portion and serve food attractively and consistently.
• Assist in maintaining temperatures for hot and cold foods throughout preparation and service.

Sanitation & Safety

• Follow all food safety regulations, including safe food handling, storage, and sanitation protocols.
• Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, and food storage areas.
• Monitor and record refrigerator, freezer, and food temperatures as required.
• Comply with infection control policies and facility safety procedures.

Inventory & Kitchen Operations

• Monitor food and supply inventory; inform supervisor of shortages.
• Rotate stock and ensure proper labelling and dating of products.
• Assist with receiving and storing deliveries.
• Use equipment such as ovens, mixers, slicers, and dishwashers safely and properly.

Teamwork & Communication

• Coordinate with dietary staff to ensure timely meal service.
• Communicate menu changes, resident preferences, or issues with the Manager.
• Work cooperatively with nursing and caregiving staff to meet residents’ dining needs.

Qualifications

• Previous experience.
• Knowledge of modified diets (pureed, diabetic, low‑sodium, etc.) preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong cooking and food preparation skills.
• Ability to follow recipes, menus, and dietary guidelines accurately.
• Good organizational and time‑management skills.
• Attention to detail, especially regarding special diets and safety.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Work Environment

• Fast‑paced kitchen environment within a nursing home.
• Requires standing for long periods, lifting up to 30–50 lbs, and exposure to heat and cleaning chemicals.
• Will require weekends and holiday shifts.

Jobs are provided by the Find a Job Service from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

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