Kitchen Assistant (Integrated Day Services)

Locations: Central Halifax (1 post) and Rastrick (1 post)
Service: Calderdale Council – Integrated Day Services
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00am–2:00pm (25 hours per week; some flexibility may be negotiated)
Rate: £13.00 per hour 
Start Date: As soon as possible
Checks: References and Enhanced DBS required (direct access to adults with care/support needs)

Role Purpose

You will be based within Calderdale Council’s Integrated Day Services, supporting adults with assessed care and support needs. This includes individuals with learning disabilities, autism, dementia, distressed behaviours, and a range of complex health conditions.

The Kitchen Assistant will contribute to the smooth running of the day service by supporting meal preparation, maintaining a safe kitchen environment, and ensuring high standards of hygiene. This role will also help maintain safe staffing levels during a period of service review.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and assist with serving meals for service users.
• Clean and correctly store all kitchen equipment and utensils after use.
• Maintain cleanliness across all designated kitchen and food preparation areas.
• Follow all food hygiene, allergen management, and Health & Safety procedures.
• Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and presentation.
• Support vocational training activities alongside the service’s vocational instructors (where applicable).
• Attend any required training relevant to the post.
• Assist with basic administrative tasks related to kitchen operations.
• Participate in regular supervision and team meetings.
• Adhere to Calderdale Council policies, including Equal Opportunities and safeguarding.
• Provide flexible support to cover cooking duties when required due to staff holidays or sickness.

Key Skills & Experience

• Experience working within a large or busy kitchen environment.
• Good understanding of safe working practices in a kitchen setting.
• Food Hygiene Certificate (essential).
• Ability to work within a training-focused environment alongside vocational staff.
• Caring, supportive values with a person-centred approach.
• Strong communication skills.

Person Specification

• Works well as part of a team.
• Able to use initiative and follow instructions effectively.
• Outgoing, friendly, and enjoys working with people.
• Physically fit and in good general health to meet the demands of the role.