Kitchen Assistant
Salary £ 21,164
Wandsworth Day centre Tooting South London (On-site)
Vacancy listed 23/09/2026
Application deadline 30/10/2026
Details
Balance is looking for a dedicated, compassionate Kitchen Asistant to join our  Day Centre in Wandsworth.  We are looking for Someone with the values and commitment to increase the independence, self-confidence and access to new opportunities for people with learning disabilities 

Who you are
 
  • You are someone who shares and is able to mobilise the charity's values of Independence, Empowerment, Partnership, Professionalism, Staff Recognition and Sustainability. If you have knowledge, application, and commitment to these values, we want to hear from you.
  • You must have experience in Food Hygiene and preparing meals for multiple individuals 
 

Who we are
At Balance, we are committed to empowering those we support to build independence, fulfilled, and self-confident lives.  We work hard to ensure our charitable values are central to the professional experience of those who work for us, with us, and who benefit from our services.
 
 
Purpose of the Role

To support the day centre in providing nutritious, safe, and enjoyable meals for adults with learning disabilities, promoting wellbeing, dignity, choice, and inclusion. The Kitchen Assistant will work in a person‑centred way, supporting service users to participate in food‑related activities where appropriate, and ensuring the kitchen environment reflects the organisation’s values of respect, empowerment, and safety. The Kitchen Assistant will support the safe preparation and service of at the day centre. Thereby meeting the needs of service users, including those with dysphagia. 

Main Responsibilities of the Job

  1. Food Preparation & Support
  • Support in preparing simple, healthy meals and snacks in line with dietary needs, allergies, cultural preferences, and individual care and support plans.
  • Prepare dysphagia meals in line with texture guidelines 
  • Support safe food service at mealtimes, promoting independence and dignity. Serve catered Lunches to service users not on a dysphagia diet 
  • Follow portion guidelines, hydration routines, and nutritional standards. Always follow swallowing practices 
  • Maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment in line with food hygiene regulations (including HACCP, Food Standards Agency guidelines).
  •  Ensure the kitchen is ready for next-day use.
  • Complete weekly deep cleaning, including Oven, microwave, and Cabinets 
  • Wash dishes, sanitise surfaces, and ensure equipment is maintained and stored safely.
  • Complete daily cleaning checklists and follow infection‑control procedures.
  • Complete daily fridge and freezer temperature checks.
  • Carry out daily checks for expired food.
 
 Working Expectations

  • The working day is 9.30 - 3.00 pm, Monday to Friday. The current rate reflects the additional hours 
  • Attendance at training. 
  • Use of information technology to support your work.
Benefits

A baseline commitment to pay London living wage for all its front line staff.
A commitment to training and professional development to support internal progression as part of our performance support.
Inclusion in and contribution to the charity's pension scheme.
A generous annual leave allowance of 25 days pro-rated, plus an additional day off for your birthday.
Access to a range of discount schemes.
Access to the charity's employee assistance programme.
Access to a travel card loan and bike-to-work scheme.

Notes

Please note that we do not accept applications from Overseas

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