Kitchen Assistant

Kitchen Assistant – Ware, Hertfordshire

Location: Westgate House Care Centre, Tower Road, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 7LP

Salary: £12.21 per hour, plus a 50p per hour weekend enhancement 

Hours: 32 hours per week, 8am - 4.30pm / 10.30am - 7pm / 9.30am - 6pm, shifts across Monday to Sunday

Job type: Permanent

Come and make a difference with the team at Westgate Healthcare! 

We are looking for a compassionate and caring Healthcare Assistant to join our family at Westgate House Care Centre. We are looking for individuals who share our values, have an interest in helping others, a can-do attitude and who will treat the people we support with care, compassion and respect. If you want to make a difference to the lives of our elderly residents, apply today.

Why work at Westgate?

• Competitive pay rates with enhanced pay on weekends
• Equal pay for young workers who are paid the same as staff aged 25+
• Improve your financial wellness and flexibility with Wagestream; access your wages before pay day and enjoy exclusive discounts at a variety of the UK’s favourite shops
• Access to the Blue Light Card (employee discount scheme)
• Access to other discount schemes; Byond Prepayment Card (employee cashback card), Extras Discounts (employee discount scheme) and Cycle to Work Scheme
• Refer a Friend Scheme - earn up to £500 for a successful referral!
• Internal and external employee recognition schemes (e.g. Employee of the Month and Long Service) and team building social events
• Support in achieving additional qualifications, including nationally recognised qualifications
• Access to financial and wellbeing support through The Care Workers Charity 
• Comprehensive staff induction with free training and professional development

About the role:

• Taking meal orders from residents and supporting them in making their choices where needed (especially for residents living with dementia or other cognitive challenges)
• Setting tables to a luxurious standard to create an exceptional dining experience
• Serving meals, ensuring they are presented to a high standard and at the correct temperature
• Encouraging residents to eat their meals and or offering alternative choices
• Distribute to and collect crockery from the residents
• Assist in washing crockery, cutlery, cooking and serving utensils and kitchen equipment
• Maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and dining areas in accordance with COSHH regulations
• Ensuring that all health and safety guidelines are strictly followed
• Carry out any reasonable request or instruction from the Home Manager or Head Chef
• Accept and process kitchen deliveries, ensuring correct storage and inventory rotation
• Support in the Kitchen with the preparation of meals
• Work closely with care staff to accommodate residents’ individual meal preferences

About you:

• The right to live and work in the UK 
• Previous experience of working in a similar position is essential to be successful 
• Previous experience in a care home environment is ideal, however candidates with a hotel/restaurant background are also encouraged to apply 
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work in a team, a caring nature and a positive attitude 
• An understanding of Health and Safety, Infection Control and COSHH

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once we receive suitable applications, therefore, an early submission is encouraged. Due to a high volume of applications, if you do not hear from us within 5 working days, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

Westgate Healthcare is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.