We are people focused. We are genuine. We have integrity. We will develop. We are a team.”

These values define our personality. They are our statement about what we stand for and what we believe in, and they are the basis behind the decisions we make every single day. They are the Care Dorset way.

Do you have a passion for creating tasty and nutritious meals? Do you like supporting people while working with passion? If so, this role could be just for you.

Location: Streets Meadow, Hanham Road, Wimborne

£12.43 per hour

Increased pay on weekends

37-hours per week

Set shift pattern

Development and ongoing training

Refer a friend scheme up to £300

Care Dorset offers fantastic benefits:

Generous Annual leave entitlement - starting at 27 days, rising to 31 after 5 years (exc. Bank holidays) pro rata

Enhanced Maternity Pay

Occupational Sick pay entitlement

Funded Blue Light discount package (superb discounts on travel, leisure, entertainment and more)

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Comprehensive induction

Excellent training & development opportunities supporting career progression.

Access to Litmos online learning platform - our one stop shop for learning & development

Refer a Friend Bonus - up to £300 per person you refer (uncapped and paid on successful appointment)

Celebrated success through annual awards ceremony

About the role:

The Kitchen Assistant will support the Assistant Cook in the provision of a range of nutritious meals which take account of specific dietary requirements. They will ensure meals are prepared in a clean and safe environment, ensuring infection control and hygiene policies and procedures are followed, while ensuring that a welcoming environment is provided for clients, staff and visitors, maintaining Care Dorset's reputation. Along with all members of the kitchen staff, they will contribute to safeguarding the welfare of people we support.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

Carrying out basic food preparation tasks such as preparation of vegetables and salads

Ensuring meals are prepared in accordance with any specific dietary requirements (e.g. allergies, texture modification, special and cultural diets)

Maintaining good food hygiene, in accordance with Care Dorset's catering policy and infection control policy

Following health and safety practices in all food preparation and in use of the kitchen, including wearing protective clothing provided

Ensuring food preparation sites are clean and ready when needed

Serving meals, alongside other staff members

Clearing away and washing up after meals

Maintaining up to date knowledge about efficient and safe use of food preparation, cleaning equipment, appropriate safe use of chemical cleaning products and COSSH regulations.

Keeping all equipment in good working order and carrying out routine maintenance tasks on equipment. Reporting any faults

Carry out general duties within the kitchen including unloading food and equipment deliveries

Ensuring high standards of personal hygiene and presentation in accordance with the Infection Control, Catering and Uniform policies

Working as part of a team and providing cover, on occasion, to Housekeepers or Laundry Assistants to ensure smooth running of the service

Keeping basic records up to date, including food hygiene / cleaning charts, providing evidence for audit and inspection purposes

Attending staff meetings as and when required

Person Specification Must haves:

Ability to use a range of food preparation and cleaning equipment and to read and carry out basic instructions.

Written English skills as required to complete records

A reasonable level of physical fitness as required to carry out the role

Good communication and listening skills

Ability to work alongside existing and new members of the team

Commitment to providing a high quality service

Prepared to work towards a Food Safety - Level 2 Certificate, if required.

Prepared to work towards a Certificate in Infection Control.

Understanding of basic food hygiene

Understanding of basic health and safety requirements

Basic knowledge of catering equipment

Good to have:

Food Safety - Level 2 Certificate.

Certificate in Infection Control.

Protection of Vulnerable Adult Training.

Ability to work on own initiative

Experience of food handling and preparation

Previous kitchen cleaning experience / experience of working in catering

Awareness of Health and Hygiene practices, COSHH regulations, infection control procedures.

If you are enthusiastic about making a positive difference in people's lives and meet the requirements mentioned above, we would love to hear from you.

Care Dorset knows that a career in care is not for everyone - but it could be for you. Join our team and contribute to enhancing the wellness of those we care for. Apply now and be part of a rewarding journey towards support and positive change