Catering Assistant

Catering Assistant

Ayr Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to provide high-quality catering services for patients and visitors.
  • Company: A compassionate hospice dedicated to patient care and support.
  • Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a supportive environment with flexible hours.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Basic education, previous catering experience, and a positive attitude are essential.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic team and learn about healthcare catering.

Working as part of the multidisciplinary team providing patients, relatives, staff and visitors with a high-quality person centred and safe catering service demonstrating a sensitive and positive attitude. Assisting with the preparation of food and contributing to the operation and cleanliness of the kitchen, Tea Preps, Staff Lounge and associated equipment whilst supporting the production, portioning, distribution and service of meals and snacks.

To comply with current Food Safety regulations, Health and Safety, Infection Control and COSHH Regulations.

Main Responsibilities
  • Provide a high quality, safe and cost-effective catering production and service.
  • Communicating directly with patients and relatives regarding meals and hospitality requirements including interpretation of patients' menus.
  • Ensuring special/therapeutic diet requirements are reflected in patient choices.
  • Maintain safe systems of work and a safe working environment in accordance with the Health & Safety Policies and Procedures, COSHH, the Food Safety Act (1990), Food Hygiene Regulations (2006) and the Departmental Food Safety Assurance Manual.
  • Work effectively with volunteers.
  • Demonstrate a sensitive and professional attitude in accordance with the Hospice values.
  • Rotate into the Hospice café to support the provision of light meals.
  • Keep tea points throughout the Hospice ready for use.
  • Comply with Food Safety Assurance manual, incorporating HACCP.
  • Cleaning and wash-up of all equipment, machinery, crockery and cutlery.
  • Record keeping associated with Food Safety Assurance System including HACCP e.g. temperature control, receipt and storage of supplies, daily cleaning schedules.
  • Assist cooks with basic preparation of meals/sandwiches.
  • Store goods correctly and use stock on a rotational basis.
  • Comply with Food Hygiene Regulation requirements.
  • Comply with Allergen Regulations requirements.
Patient Service
  • Plating of meals for distribution to patients.
  • Direct service of food to patients ensuring it meets any special dietary requirements.
  • Support the volunteers with overall delivery of patients' meals at ward level.
  • Supporting patients with their menu choices.
  • Accuracy of Patient menu, particularly special diets – therapeutic/modified texture diets etc.
General
  • Comply with Health & Safety regulations including manual handling/risk assessment/fire safety training.
  • Accurate recording of sign in/out procedures.
  • Complete all training requirements e.g. Mandatory & Statutory Training, Moodle & job specific requirements.
  • Maintain security at all times.
  • Report faulty equipment to line manager.
  • Provide guidance and support to new members of staff relating to work practice.
Person Specification Requirement:
  • Essential / Desirable, Assessment (Application / Interview)
  • Education / Qualifications
  • Basic Education & Literacy: Essential (A/I)
  • Food Hygiene Certificate - Elementary: Desirable (A)
  • Knowledge / Experience
  • Knowledge of Cook Safe System: Essential (A)
  • Previous Catering Experience: Essential (A)
  • Previous Experience within Healthcare: Desirable (A)
  • Knowledge of Hospice Services: Desirable (I)
  • Ability / Skills
  • Ability to Work Under Pressure: Essential (I)
  • Ability to Adapt and Work as Part of a Team: Essential (I)
  • Effective Communication Skills: Essential (I)
  • Ability to Follow Instruction: Essential (I)
  • Time Management: Essential (I)
  • Personal Qualities
  • Motivated: Essential (I)
  • Positive Attitude to Work: Essential (I)
  • Trustworthy: Essential (I)
  • Honest: Essential (I)

Closing Date: Monday 17th November 2025, 5pm

Interview Date: Tuesday 25th November 2025

Catering Assistant employer: Ayrshire Hospice Limited

As a Catering Assistant at our Hospice, you will be part of a compassionate team dedicated to providing high-quality, person-centred catering services to patients and their families. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that values teamwork, professional development, and adherence to health and safety standards, ensuring a safe and rewarding environment for all staff. With opportunities for growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve, our Hospice is an excellent employer for those seeking a fulfilling career in healthcare catering.
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Contact Detail:

Ayrshire Hospice Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the hospice and its values. This way, you can show how your positive attitude and motivation align with their mission during your chat.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your previous catering experience and ability to work under pressure make you the ideal fit for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Be ready to showcase your communication skills! During the interview, highlight examples where you've effectively communicated with patients or team members, especially regarding dietary needs or menu choices.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the role or the team. This shows your genuine interest and helps you figure out if this is the right place for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!

We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant

Food Safety Regulations
Health and Safety Compliance
Infection Control
COSHH Regulations
Catering Production
Communication Skills
Dietary Requirement Interpretation
HACCP Knowledge
Basic Food Preparation
Stock Management
Manual Handling
Teamwork
Time Management
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Positive Attitude

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Catering: When you're writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for catering! Share any experiences you've had in food preparation or service, especially in healthcare settings. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about providing quality meals to patients and their families.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous catering experience you have, especially if it relates to healthcare. If you've worked with special diets or in a fast-paced environment, we want to hear about it! Tailor your application to showcase how your skills align with the role.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see why you'd be a great fit for our team!

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ayrshire Hospice Limited

✨Know Your Catering Basics

Make sure you brush up on your food hygiene knowledge and the Cook Safe System. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the importance of safety in a catering environment.

✨Show Your People Skills

Since this role involves direct communication with patients and their families, practice how you'll engage with them. Think about how you can demonstrate empathy and professionalism during the interview.

✨Demonstrate Team Spirit

This job requires working closely with a multidisciplinary team. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations.

✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios

Expect to be asked about how you'd handle specific situations, like dietary requirements or kitchen safety. Prepare some scenarios where you’ve had to think on your feet and adapt quickly to ensure patient satisfaction.

Catering Assistant
Ayrshire Hospice Limited
Location: Ayr
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