Assistant Cook

Assistant Cook (Part Time)
Location: Fernside House, Armley, Leeds
Hours: 22.5 hours per week 
Salary: 13.45 per hour + £14.95 overtime
Shift Pattern: 3 days per week, 10am – 6pm and working every other weekend

Active Pathways is delighted to be recruiting for a passionate Assistant Cook to join our brand-new residential mental health service, Fernside House, in Armley, Leeds. Fernside House will provide a safe and supportive home for men with enduring mental health needs, and we’re looking for someone who shares our commitment to person-centred, recovery-focused care. 

The Best Bits

• Annual leave starts at the statutory minimum, with extra days rewarded at 2 and 5 years’ service
• Refer a Friend scheme – earn up to £500 per referral
• Health Cash Plan – covers dental, optical, virtual GP, counselling, and includes discounted gym membership
• Supportive and friendly team environment with ongoing training and development
• Workplace pension scheme
• Free Blue Light Card membership
• Free enhanced DBS checks, on-site parking

About the Role
As our Assistant Cook, you’ll work closely with our Head Cook to maintain high standards of food preparation, cleanliness, and safety. Key duties include:

• Assisting with food preparation and maintaining a clean, safe kitchen environment and being responsible for full food preparation in the absence of the Head Cook
• Cleaning and storing equipment, utensils, and surfaces in line with hygiene standards
• Clearing and cleaning dining areas before and after meals, and emptying waste bins
• Ensuring food stock, crockery, and cutlery are available and stored correctly

Requirements

• Previous experience working in a similar kitchen or catering environment
• Understanding of safe food preparation, kitchen hygiene, and cleaning practices
• Awareness of COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), infection control, and Health & Safety regulations
• Willingness to support and supervise service users in a kitchen setting as part of their recovery

About Us

Active Pathways Ltd has been operating in Lancashire and Yorkshire, for over 20 years as a Mental Health and Rehabilitation provider, offering support to adults aged 18+. We are dedicated to delivering recovery-focused Mental Health Services within innovative, creative, and inspiring environments.

Each service user and member of staff is entitled to, and will have, their own individual and unique pathway designed by them with the support of the organisation to get from their current situation to their desired situation. Each service user is supported to be an expert in their own mental health and each member of staff is supported to be an expert in their own development, with everyone’s voice heard, respected and acted upon.

About Fernside House

Fernside House is a brand-new residential service providing high-quality care and a welcoming home environment for men with enduring mental health needs. As part of the team, you’ll be helping to shape the service from the very beginning, ensuring residents feel safe, supported, and valued.

Our Core Benefits

• Supportive and friendly team environment with ongoing training and development
• Funded Professional Membership – where relevant to your role
• Career Development – structured support through our Your Pathway, Your Future development programme
• Workplace pension scheme
• Free Blue Light Card membership
• Free enhanced DBS checks, on-site parking, and lunch (for site-based roles)

This is a varied and rewarding role where you’ll make a real difference by improving people’s quality of life. If you’re ready to bring passion, leadership, and compassion to a team that truly values people, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us create a service where residents feel supported, respected, and able to thrive.

Active Pathways Ltd is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We respect and empower each individual and support diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences within our workforce. We welcome applications from diverse candidates and provide support during our recruitment processes to enable all applicants to perform at their best.