Job Description

Wood Lodge is seeking a decicated Kitchen Assistant to join our team!!


Our aim is to foster an atmosphere of care and support which both enables our residents to live as full, interesting and independent a lifestyle as possible with rules and regulations being kept to a minimum. We aim to assist in developing the sense of independence our residents have to enrich their lives as much as possible.


As our Kitchen Assistant you will assist our Chef in preparing and cooking a variety of nutritious meals for our residents. An important part of your role will to keep the kitchen clean, safe and tidy at all times whilst on shift. You will also help with serving meals and will interact with our residents on a daily basis - so you'll be friendly, caring and kind whilst respecting our resident's dignity at all times. In addition, you will be responsible for washing up after breakfast, lunch, and teatime, ensuring all crockery, utensils, and kitchen equipment are cleaned and stored appropriately.


Job Purpose: To support the catering team in preparing, cooking, and serving nutritious meals that meet the specific dietary requirements and preferences of care home residents, ensuring high standards of food safety, hygiene, and quality.


Key Responsibilities:


1. Food Preparation and Cooking


Assist in preparing meals according to established recipes and dietary guidelines
Follow specialised dietary requirements for residents (e.g., soft diets, texture-modified meals, allergen-free options)
Maintain accurate records of meal preparation and resident dietary needs
Assist in portion control and meal presentation


2. Kitchen Hygiene and Safety


Maintain strict adherence to food safety and hygiene regulations
Clean and sanitise kitchen equipment, work surfaces, and utensils
Follow HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) principles
Ensure proper food storage and stock rotation
Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)


3. Stock Management


Assist in stock taking and inventory management
Help with ordering and receiving food supplies
Report low stock levels to the kitchen supervisor
Manage food waste effectively and sustainably


4. Resident Interaction


Engage positively with residents during meal times
Assist residents with special feeding requirements, if needed
Demonstrate patience, empathy, and respect


5. Team Collaboration


Work effectively with kitchen staff, care workers, and nursing team
Participate in team meetings and training sessions
Cover shifts and support colleagues as required


Person Specification:


1. Personal Qualities


Compassionate and patient
Calm under pressure
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to work in a team
Adaptable and flexible


2. Communication


Clear and effective verbal communication
Good listening skills
Ability to follow instructions precisely
Basic written communication for record-keeping


3. Technical Skills


Basic cooking skills
Understanding of food safety principles
Ability to use kitchen equipment safely
Basic numeracy for portion control and stock management


4. Professional Attributes


Punctual and reliable
Commitment to quality and resident care
Willingness to learn and develop skills
Positive attitude
Respect for diversity and individual needs


Physical and Environmental Requirements:


Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment
Comfortable working in temperatures varying from cold storage to hot cooking areas
Must wear provided protective clothing
Able to stand for long periods
Manual dexterity for food preparation


Essential Criteria:


Basic food hygiene certification (or willingness to obtain)
Physical ability to stand for extended periods
Excellent personal hygiene
Have previous experience working within a similar role
Have a passion for and genuine interest in food
Have a mature and pleasant manner for dealing with clients and team members
Be a team player
Be able to work under pressure in a busy kitchen
Have good knowledge of HACCP procedures and regulations


Desirable Qualifications/Experience:


Level 2 Award in Food Safety / Food Hygiene Certificate.
Previous experience in care home or healthcare catering
Additional nutrition or dietary requirements training
First aid certification
Manual handling, infection control, or COSHH training.


Working Conditions:


Shift work may be required (morning, afternoon, evening shifts)
Weekend and bank holiday work might be necessary


Additional Information


This role involves regular contact with vulnerable adults; therefore, an Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure check will be required before employment can commence.


EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES


CWC Group is committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from people irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, political opinion, marital status, disability and religious belief.


IMPORTANT


Candidates who are successful at interview will be subject to background checks including, but not limited to, satisfactory references and an enhanced Access NI check.


ACCESS NI


Access NI have a written code of practice which can be downloaded from www.dojni.gov.uk/index/accessni/support/code-of-practice.htm


DETAILS


20 hrs per week (x2 days - 1 week day, 1 weekend day)


Location


Wood Lodge - 50 Mill Hill, Castlewellan, Co. Down, BT31 9NB


Work Style


On-site


Experience


Previous experience working within a similar role


Education


Level 2 Award in Food Safety / Food Hygiene Certificate Desirable