Description
Job Title: Kitchen Porter/Assistant
Report to: Kitchen Supervisor
Hours: Part Time on a Flexible Basis
Accountable to: Registered Manager /Catering Manager
Kitchen Porter 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 This is not an exhaustive list of duties and the post holder may be required to undertake other duties, as may be required, to meet the needs of the service.
Person Specification:
Skills and Attributes:
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.
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