About this role
Job summary
We are looking for people to join our kitchen teams at our nursing and care homes in Wokingham and Burghfield Common.
Our care teams provide support to older people living with dementia, and nursing care for people aged 65 and over who are living with long term health conditions. As part of our kitchen team, you will contribute to the health and well being of the people we support, in getting to understand preferences and helping to prepare and serve nutritious meals.
We do not offer sponsorship and are unable to recruit anyone on a skilled worker visa.
Main duties of the job
We are hiring Kitchen Assistants to work full-time (37) or part-time (30) hours each week - the role is shift based and includes working alternate weekends. Our homes are located:
Suffolk Lodge - Wokingham RG40 1DH (part-time)The Hollies - Burghfield Common RG7 (full-time)There will be opportunities for overtime around sickness and annual leave to supplement your income.
As a dedicated Kitchen Assistant, you will support our Cook to prepare nutritious meals for the people we support. Your work will help maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety in our kitchen.
You will either have or be willing to gain a City and Guilds level 1 in Hospitality and Catering, as well as a Food Safety level 2.
Previous experience would be beneficial to help you adapt to a busy environment, but a positive attitude, compassion and a desire to get involved are crucial to what we look for in our people. Full training and support will be provided for all successful candidates, including classroom sessions at our Head Office, online learning and shadow shifts to help you develop for the role.
About us
Optalis is a LATCo (Local Authority Trading Company) jointly owned by Wokingham Borough Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
Optalis delivers adult social care on behalf of the two local authorities. We have nearly 70 services across the WBC and RBWM boroughs, supporting adults with learning disabilities to live independently, providing dementia and nursing care for older people and offering reablement services to help people return home from hospital.
We provide stable employment and opportunities to develop yourself and advance your career.
Optalis is not an agency and we do not offer sponsorship.
Job description Job responsibilities
To support the kitchen team in preparing and serving meals for everyone, ensuring each persons independence, choice, rights, and fulfilment are at the heart of every dining experience. This includes giving special care to individual dietary needs and preferences. Youll also help maintain a safe, clean, and hygienic kitchen that meets all health and safety standards.
Assist in the preparation and serving of meals to those we support in accordance with dietary requirements and preferences.Ensure a clean and organised kitchen and dining area, adhering to health and safety regulations.Clear away and wash up after mealtimes.Promote safe working practices within the kitchen areas.Work with and create effective working relationships with all other staff in the home, to understand the needs and preferences to enhance the dining experience.Participate in training and development programs to improve food and safety skills and knowledge of nutrition.Understand and work within emergency and fire procedure polices and any other risk assessments.Follow reporting procedures to report any faulty appliances, damaged crockery, equipment or any other potential hazard
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
You will either have or be willing to gain a City and Guilds level 1 in Hospitality and Catering You will either have or be willing to work towards Food safety level 2
Desirable
Basic knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards.
Entitlement To Work Essential
Must reside in the UK and hold entitlement to work - either British citizenship or a valid work visa with at least 12 months remaining. We are not offering sponsorship with this role.
Experience Essential
Previous experience in a catering or kitchen role. Effective communication skills to interact effectively with those we support and colleagues. Ability to follow instructions Ensures tasks are completed safely and correctly. Effective time management and record keeping skills. Flexibility to adapt to changing tasks and schedules within the kitchen.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Optalis Limited
Address The Hollies
Reading Road
Burghfield Common
Berkshire
RG7 3BH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.optalis.org/ (Opens in a new tab)