Most care homes treat their kitchen and domestic staff like back-office afterthoughts. But the truth is: you're the heartbeat of the home. You're the one who feeds the young people properly, keeps the space clean and safe, and gets them where they need to be. This provider knows that, and they're looking for someone who takes real pride in doing this work brilliantly
Imagine a role where what you do every single day directly improves the lives of young people in residential care. You're not just cooking meals or driving to appointments - you're creating routines that matter, feeding kids who've had rough starts, and being the reliable adult who shows up. You'll work alongside a team that genuinely values your contribution, not just tolerates it
The home operates across multiple services supporting young people with complex needs - autism, learning disabilities, mental health challenges - and they need someone who understands that a well-run kitchen and reliable transport aren't luxuries, they're essentials. You'll have a structured rota, overtime opportunities when you want them, and the kind of workplace where people stay because they actually feel looked after
What you will be doing
- Plan, prepare and cook nutritious, varied meals that cater to the young people's dietary needs, preferences and any specific requirements
- Maintain the kitchen, dining areas and domestic spaces to high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and safety
- Use your driving licence to transport young people to appointments, activities, education and other essential destinations
- Work flexibly across cooking, domestic and driving duties as the home's needs dictate on any given day
- Support the team in creating a welcoming, well-organised home environment where young people feel safe and cared for
Why you will love working here
- Life Insurance worth 2 times your salary - genuine financial protection for you and your loved ones
- 24/7 access to Smart Health including virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition advice whenever you need it
- Employee Assistance Programme via the Wisdom App with wellbeing resources and lifestyle support built in
- A structured rota with flexibility and genuine overtime opportunities when you want to pick up extra shifts
- Clear recognition and rewards scheme so your work is actually acknowledged and valued
Is this you?
- You hold a full, clean UK driving licence and have your own reliable vehicle (essential for the driving element of this role)
- You have experience working in a kitchen environment and can cook practical, nutritious meals for groups
- You're organised, safety-conscious and comfortable keeping living spaces clean and well-maintained
- You understand safeguarding and child welfare - you know why it matters and you take it seriously
- You're someone who shows up on time, gets on with the work, and genuinely cares about the quality of what you deliver
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Great roles like this are filled quickly, so the sooner you apply the better.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.