Kitchen Team Member (lone working)

Job Title: Kitchen Team Member Responsible to: Home Manager/Deputy Manager Location: Care Home Kitchen Hours: As agreed in accordance with the rota

Role Purpose

The Kitchen Team Member will support the delivery of nutritious, safe and well-presented meals for service users, helping to create a positive dining experience. The role includes using Apetito food supplier products in line with the Home’s menu, manufacturer instructions, dietary requirements and food safety procedures, as well as preparing breakfasts, snacks, drinks and small meals as required.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, regenerate, plate and serve meals using Apetito products in accordance with the agreed menu, portion guidance, cooking instructions and service user needs.

• Prepare breakfast items, light meals, snacks, sandwiches, suppers and drinks as required, ensuring food is appetising, safe and served at the correct temperature.

• Support service users’ nutritional and hydration needs by following care plans, dietary instructions and guidance from the senior team.

• Ensure meals are adapted or served appropriately for service users with special dietary needs, allergies, cultural preferences, texture-modified requirements or swallowing difficulties, where advised.

• Check deliveries, store frozen, chilled and dry goods correctly, rotate stock and report shortages, damaged items or concerns to the Home Manager/Deputy Manager.

• Maintain accurate records, including temperature checks, fridge and freezer logs, cleaning schedules and food safety documentation.

• Keep the kitchen, food preparation areas, equipment, crockery and utensils clean, safe and organised at all times.

• Follow infection prevention, food hygiene, allergen control, health and safety, COSHH and fire safety procedures.

• Dispose of waste safely and responsibly, supporting good stock control and reduction of food waste where possible.

• Work cooperatively with care staff, housekeeping and colleagues to ensure meals are served on time and service users receive a warm, respectful and dignified service.

• Report any concerns about food quality, service user intake, equipment faults, hazards or safeguarding matters promptly to the appropriate person.

• Attend training, supervision and team meetings as required and maintain a flexible approach to support the needs of the service.

Food Safety and Quality Standards

The post holder must follow all relevant food safety procedures and ensure Apetito meals are handled, stored, cooked, regenerated and served safely. This includes checking labels, allergens, dates, temperatures and instructions before service, and ensuring meals are presented in a way that supports service users’ dignity, choice and enjoyment.

Person Specification

• Previous kitchen, catering, hospitality or care home experience is desirable but not essential.

• Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene certificate/qualification is essential, as is a willingness to complete food safety, allergen awareness and other required training.

• Ability to follow instructions, menus, recipes, labels and food safety procedures accurately.

• Good communication and teamwork skills, with a respectful and considerate approach to service users and colleagues.

• Reliable, organised and able to work calmly in a busy kitchen environment.

• Awareness of the importance of dignity, choice, confidentiality and safeguarding within a care setting.

• Flexible approach to shifts, duties and the changing needs of the home.

Training and Compliance

The Kitchen Team Member will be required to complete induction and mandatory training, which may include food hygiene, allergen awareness, health and safety, COSHH, infection prevention, safeguarding, moving and handling, and any specific training relevant to the safe use of Apetito products and kitchen equipment.

Equality and Safeguarding

The post holder must promote equality, dignity and respect and ensure that service users are treated as individuals. They must remain alert to any safeguarding concerns and report these promptly in accordance with the home’s procedures.

Pay: £13.50 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits

• Company pension

• Free parking

• On-site parking