Kitchen Assistant

Kitchen Assistant – BANK | Akari Care

Employer: Akari Care
Location: North Shields, NE24, United Kingdom
Job Type: Bank / Flexible
Salary: £13.45 per hour
Sector: Care Home / Catering
Country: United Kingdom

Job Overview

Akari Care is looking for a passionate and dedicated Kitchen / Catering Assistant to join its team in North Shields on a bank basis.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a busy kitchen environment and wants to contribute to the wellbeing and quality of life of older people.

You will work closely with the Cook and wider catering team to ensure that kitchen operations run smoothly and that residents receive high-quality, personalised meals and service.

The successful candidate will play an important role in making mealtimes enjoyable while ensuring that individual dietary, religious and cultural requirements are respected.

About Akari Care

Akari Care is committed to creating care home environments where residents are valued, respected and provided with personalised care.

The organisation places strong emphasis on personal excellence, community spirit, kindness, compassion and respect.

As a Kitchen / Catering Assistant, you will be expected to demonstrate these values in your daily work and contribute positively to the experience of residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting the Cook and wider catering team with the smooth running of kitchen operations.
• Assisting with food preparation and kitchen duties.
• Helping to create and prepare menus.
• Plating and presenting meals appropriately.
• Arranging food trolleys for service.
• Supporting smooth and efficient mealtimes.
• Ensuring residents receive meals that meet their individual requirements.
• Taking account of residents’ religious and cultural backgrounds when supporting meal choices.
• Maintaining high standards of food preparation and service.
• Working closely with colleagues across the care home.
• Helping create an enjoyable and welcoming mealtime experience.
• Supporting residents with a personalised service.
• Maintaining a caring, respectful and compassionate approach at all times.
• Working effectively in a busy care home kitchen environment.

Resident-Focused Service

This role is more than simply preparing and serving food.

The Kitchen Assistant acts as an important link between the kitchen and serving areas, helping to ensure that residents receive the right meals and have a positive experience during mealtimes.

You will need to remain aware of individual preferences and requirements, including dietary, religious and cultural considerations.

The aim is to ensure that every resident feels supported, respected and cared for.

What Akari Care Offers

• Competitive salary of £13.45 per hour.
• 5% pension contribution.
• Recognition schemes.
• Rewarding referral schemes.
• Uniform provided.
• DBS check costs paid.
• 28 days annual leave, based on full-time hours and including Bank Holidays.
• Flexible working patterns.
• Fully funded training and development.
• Support with personal development plans.
• Opportunities to gain valuable experience.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development.
• An engaging community environment where everyone is respected and included.

Requirements

Applicants should have:

• Experience working in a similar environment.
• Previous kitchen and food preparation experience.
• A Basic Food Hygiene Certificate.
• A caring nature and commitment to providing a personalised service.
• The ability to be flexible and adaptable when circumstances change at short notice.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure.
• A positive attitude that does not negatively affect colleagues or residents.
• A warm, approachable and engaging personality.
• A respectful attitude towards residents, colleagues and other members of the team.
• Resilience and adaptability when dealing with different needs.
• A genuine desire to make a positive difference to the lives of older people.

Skills and Personal Qualities

Caring approach: A genuine interest in supporting older people and contributing to their wellbeing.

Teamwork: The ability to work collaboratively with the Cook, catering team and wider care home team.

Flexibility: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and working requirements.

Communication: A warm and approachable manner when interacting with residents and colleagues.

Resilience: The ability to remain professional and effective in a busy environment.

Respect: A commitment to treating residents and colleagues with dignity and respect.

Attention to individual needs: An understanding that residents may have different dietary, cultural and religious requirements.

Working Environment

The role is based within a care home kitchen environment, where teamwork, organisation and attention to detail are important.

The successful candidate should be comfortable working in a busy environment and be able to maintain high standards while supporting the needs of residents.

Salary and Benefits Summary

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity may suit candidates who have previous experience in:

• Care home kitchens.
• Catering.
• Food preparation.
• Hospitality.
• Healthcare catering.
• Kitchen assistant roles.
• Similar food service environments.

Candidates should be comfortable working as part of a team and should have a genuine interest in providing a high-quality service to older people.

Visa Sponsorship / Certificate of Sponsorship

The vacancy information provided does not state that Certificate of Sponsorship or Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is available.

Applicants requiring sponsorship should confirm sponsorship availability and eligibility directly with Akari Care before applying.

How to Apply

Applications are handled through Apply Gateway.

Candidates may be required to create or use an Apply Gateway account and provide:

• First name
• Last name
• Email address
• Telephone number
• Postcode
• Expected salary
• CV / Resume
• Other required application information

Candidates can upload their resume during the application process.

Apply Now

Kitchen Assistant – BANK – Akari Care

Location: North Shields, NE24
Salary: £13.45 per hour
Job Type: Bank

Applicants should review the full vacancy information and submit their application through the application platform.

Employer

Akari Care

Akari Care provides care services focused on supporting older people and creating environments where residents are respected, valued and cared for.

Disclaimer

This job information has been arranged for easier reading and publication. Applicants should verify the latest vacancy details, requirements, salary and application conditions on the application page before applying.