About the Role
As an Assistant Chef, you will support the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring meals are prepared safely, meet dietary needs and follow Kosher standards.
You will work as part of a team to create balanced meals while maintaining high standards of hygiene, safety and cleanliness.
This role is practical and hands-on. You will be involved in preparing food, maintaining the kitchen environment and supporting the wider catering operation.
About Norwood
Founded in 1795, Norwood is the oldest Jewish charity in the UK. We support and empower neurodiverse children and their families and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities to live their best lives.
At Norwood, you will make a real difference every day. You will be part of a supportive and inclusive team where kindness is shown in how we care, respect shapes how we work together, belonging ensures everyone feels valued, and empowerment enables people to thrive.
We invest in your growth, care about your wellbeing, and give you the pride of knowing your work changes lives.
Your day to day
You will,
- Assist with the preparation and serving of meals
- Ensure all food is handled, prepared and stored safely
- Clean kitchen and dining areas, including equipment, utensils and surfaces
- Complete scheduled cleaning tasks, including deep cleaning
- Monitor and record food temperatures and safety checks
- Support stock control and food storage processes
- Work closely with the Head Chef and wider team to deliver a consistent service
You will play an important part in maintaining a safe, clean and welcoming kitchen environment.
Qualifications, Experience & Training
Essential
- Experience working in a catering or kitchen environment
- Basic knowledge of food hygiene and health and safety requirements
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Good communication skills
- Willingness to follow instructions and learn
- Flexible approach to meet service needs
Desirable
- Knowledge or experience of Kosher food preparation
- Experience working with people with learning disabilities or autism
Reward & Benefits
We believe great support starts with great staff. Here’s what we offer:
- Fully funded induction and training
- 25 days annual leave + 8 Bank Holidays (FTE)
- Enhanced parental pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Health cash plan covering dental, optical, and therapy treatments, with virtual GP access, private consultations, and wellbeing tools via the My Medicash App
- Blue Light Card scheme access
- Cycle to Work scheme
- £300 refer-a-friend bonus
- Career development pathway
- Free on-site parking
- A supportive, experienced team and management
A bit more information: Pamela Barnett is a bright, ground-floor residential home located within the Ravenswood Estate, a unique care community in Berkshire. The home supports sixteen adults aged 20s to 70s with severe neurodevelopmental disabilities, including learning disabilities, autism, and physical support needs. Most residents are non-verbal and communicate using Makaton, objects of reference, facial expressions, or body language. So forming close, trusting relationships is key.
The people we support live active and fulfilling lives. Hobbies include swimming, music, baking, arts and crafts, karaoke, theatre trips, holidays, and more. All require high levels of support, including personal care, hoisting, and 1:1 or 2:1 assistance.
Shifts typically run from 07:00 to 21:00 and are planned around the needs and routines of the people we support, not just the rota. You’ll be joining a stable and values-led team committed to Kindness, Respect, Belonging, and Empowerment.
Safe Recruitment: Norwood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children, young people, and adults we support. This role is subject to safer recruitment checks in line with CQC Regulation 19, and appointment is conditional upon satisfactory pre-employment checks, including Right to Work in the UK and a DBS check appropriate to the role.
Email: careers@norwood.org.uk
Disclaimer: At Norwood, we welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates. At this time, Norwood is not a UK Home Office licensed sponsor and is unable to offer visa sponsorship.
