Kitchen Assistant (Relief) based at Maple Leaf House, Ripley

To cover annual leave, sickness and training
Weekends and Bank Holidays cover required
Shifts - 0700 - 1900
No sponsorship available at this time

Salary:£12.60 per hour

For this role, we are currently considering candidates who live within approximately 15 miles of the Service. This ensures commutes are manageable and support your wellbeing and work-life balance. If you live outside this area but would still find the commute manageable, please get in touch – we are happy to review individual circumstances.

About the role

We are looking for a reliable and enthusiastic Kitchen Assistant to join our catering team at MHA. This is a valued role, supporting the Cook to deliver nutritious, well-presented meals that meet residents’ dietary needs while helping to maintain a clean, safe and welcoming kitchen environment.

As a Kitchen Assistant, you will play an important part in supporting residents’ health and wellbeing, working in line with food safety standards and MHA’s values of care, respect and dignity.

What you will do

• Support the Cook with food preparation, serving meals, washing up and storing crockery and utensils safely.
• Keep all areas of the kitchen clean and tidy in line with cleaning schedules and the Food Safety Manual.
• Dispose of waste food safely and hygienically.
• Ensure adequate supplies of cleaning and washing-up materials are available.
• Assist with laundry tasks for kitchen linen.
• Follow COSHH, food hygiene, health & safety and infection prevention requirements at all times.
• Respect residents’ privacy, dignity and choice.
• Attend training, supervision, appraisals and staff meetings as required.

About you

We are looking for someone who is dependable, caring and enjoys working as part of a team.

You will bring:

• A basic food hygiene certificate (essential).
• Previous experience of basic food preparation (desirable).
• Good communication and listening skills.
• The ability to follow instructions and prioritise tasks effectively.
• A positive, flexible approach to work.
• Sensitivity to the needs of older people and a commitment to quality service.
• Willingness to undertake training and development.
• A QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care is desirable but not essential, as training will be provided.

Why join MHA?

You will be joining an organisation with strong values and a supportive culture, where every role contributes to helping people live later life well. At MHA, catering teams play a vital part in residents’ daily enjoyment and wellbeing.

Rewards and benefits

In addition to a competitive hourly rate, you will enjoy:

• 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) and an option to buy annual leave (pro-rota for part time)
• A strong pension scheme and life assurance
• Free DBS checks and uniforms
• Confidential counselling, chaplaincy support and access to our hardship fund
• Flexible options to buy or sell annual leave, plus family-friendly policies
• Discounts through the Blue Light Card, Health Service Discounts and the Vivup app
• A full induction, ongoing training and development opportunities
• Long service awards to celebrate your contribution

About the Service

Maple Leaf House care home in Ripley

Maple Leaf House is a warm and inclusive home where colleagues work with shared purpose to support people living with dementia. The team environment is friendly and encouraging, helping new colleagues feel welcome, valued and confident from their first day.

Colleagues play an essential role in creating a calm and respectful atmosphere where residents can live with dignity and independence. Guided by MHA’s charitable values, the home promotes teamwork, compassion and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

For job seekers looking for purposeful work in a supportive team, Maple Leaf House offers a rewarding place to build specialist skills and make a meaningful difference.

For more information about the home, please click here

Equality, diversity and inclusion

MHA are fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as this is embedded in our values: respect, nurture and inspire. In addition, as a committed employer we have been awarded level 2 under the Disability Confident Scheme.

Please note that interviews may take place prior to the closing date and if a suitable candidate is appointed the role may close early.

Recruitment agencies: please note, MHA do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies, regardless of whether they are on our Preferred Supplier List (PSL). We only accept CVs from agencies that have been appointed and briefed by MHA’s Talent Acquisition Team.