Kitchen Assistant Job Description
Reports to: Head Chef/ Home Manager
Job Overview
Note – In addition to these functions, employees are required to carry out such duties as may reasonably be required.
- Prepare all foodstuff, as directed by the 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 residents in a polite and person-centred way.
Location
The service’s premises, but you may be required to work from other locations at the discretion of the company and with appropriate notice.
Working Hours
Varying shift patterns as agreed with the manager.
Role- specific Duties
The Kitchen Assistant’s responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Under the supervision of the 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, FIFO and LIFO
- Ensure correct storage of food in refrigerators and freezers (labelling and shelving)
- 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. If any machine is felt to be dangerous/faulty, withdraw it from service immediately
- Prepare food items under the guidance of the Head Chef
- Support the delivery and serving of food, if required
- Understand the specific diets identified as required by residents, and share any dietary concerns with the 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 Head Chef, and appropriately recorded and actioned
- Be responsible for promoting and protecting the welfare of those individuals supported by the service
- Prepare trolleys for meals
- To prepare and serve meals in the evening in the absence of the Chef
- To undertake cleaning tasks as directed by the Chef, to maintain high standards of cleanliness in the kitchen, according to Health and Safety and Environmental Health requirements.
- Complete daily internal documentation as instructed
- Inform line manager about any absences from the kitchen during the shift
- Washing all washing pols, pans, cooking tools and utensils, plates, crockery, cutleries, glassware
- Maintain clean all catering trolleys (service and hot trolleys)
- Keeping floors clean, sweep and mop floors during day and ending of shifts
- Take out food and general waste out of the kitchen
- Sanitising food preparation areas
- All cleaning materials to be handled according to COSHH requirements
Working with Others
- Assist in the induction of new starters in accordance with the service’s policy
- Develop effective working relationships with employees within the service
- Work with the Head Chef in a positive way, and be proactive in identifying duties that need to be completed
- Liaise and communicate effectively with care staff to understand the dietary needs of people that use the service
- Be polite and respectful in any communication with staff, residents or external visitors
Leading by Example
Other duties and responsibilities to be undertaken may include any (or all) of the items in the following list:
- Seek opportunities for personal and professional growth
- When interacting with residents, be person-centred, and promote respect and dignity
- To attend supervisions, appraisals and complete all necessary training
Personal and Professional Development:
- Attend statutory training and any other training as directed by management
- Take responsibility for your own professional development through performance and development reviews and undertake any relevant training
- Be responsible for understanding the health and safety requirements of the role
- Understand and follow any relevant risk assessments
- Maintain a good knowledge and understating of all relevant policies and any reviews available internally or on the QCS platform.
Person Specification for Kitchen Assistant
Essential
- Ensure accurate, legible records are kept.
- Ensure compliance with both statutory and the service’s requirements on food hygiene, storage and temperature control.
- Manage waste effectively.
- Good communication in English – verbal and written.
- Attend regular meetings to keep abreast of views and expectations.
- Knowledge of health and safety and personal responsibility.
- Experience of working as part of a team and of delivering items to tight deadlines.
- Experience of working with kitchen equipment and appliances and understanding the risks involved.
Desirable
- Approved Elementary Food Hygiene certificate.
- Regularly seek feedback from people and communicate their views to the Head Chef.
- Being passionate about caring for others.
- Dedicated and committed to making a difference to others lives and work well in a team.
- Caring, friendly and empathic towards others, being positive and a passion to learn.
- Previous experience of working in a similar environment.
- Knowledge of texture modified diets.
- Experience of working with residents who have additional support needs.
A shared Nellsar culture
We are extremely proud of the caring, supportive culture in our Care Homes which embodies empathy, equity, professionalism and continuous improvement. Our values focus on the individual – from residents to team members – creating an inclusive environment with both residents and staff teams at the heart of what we do every day.







