At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the catering team in preparing and serving nutritious meals for residents.
- Company: Join Bedford Citizens Housing Association, a caring community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, free parking, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, including weekends, in a new purpose-built facility.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on residents' lives while working in a friendly environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering or hospitality is preferred; good communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27800 - 27800 £ per year.
Bedford Citizens Housing Association, BCHA, is a housing and care provider in Bedford.
BCHA has a vacancy for Catering Assistants to work in our busy kitchen at Bedford Charter House. Shift times are between 07:00 - 20:00.
Job Purpose
To support the catering team in providing & serving nutritious, well-presented meals and a high standard of food service for residents.
To include all aspects of cleaning, washing up, use of COSHH and food handling ensuring all work is carried out in line with food hygiene, health, and safety regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the preparation, and serving of meals, snacks, and beverages in accordance with residents’ dietary requirements and preferences.
- Ensure the dining area and kitchen are clean, tidy, and well-organized at all times.
- Support the Head Chef or Cook with food preparation tasks such as chopping vegetables, preparing salads, and portioning meals.
- Wash, dry, and store crockery, utensils, and kitchen equipment safely.
- Follow all food hygiene and safety procedures, including correct storage and labelling of food.
- Assist in receiving and checking food deliveries, ensuring stock is rotated and properly stored.
- Assist residents with daily and weekly food orders to ensure a smooth meal service.
- Provide friendly and respectful service to residents, maintaining dignity and promoting a positive dining experience.
- Dispose of waste correctly and in accordance with environmental health standards.
- Adhere to infection control, health and safety, and care home policies at all times.
- Report any equipment faults, hazards, or maintenance issues to the appropriate person.
Skills and Qualifications
- Experience in catering, hospitality, or a similar role (preferably in a care or healthcare setting).
- Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above) – desirable.
- Good understanding of food safety, allergen awareness, and infection control.
- Ability to work as part of a team and follow instructions.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, especially when interacting with residents.
- Reliable, organized, and able to work under pressure during busy meal times.
- Typical Working Hours
Part-time or full-time shifts, often including weekends and bank holidays, depending on the care home’s schedule.
We offer a great working environment in new purpose built building, a friendly team and the ability to make a significant positive contribution to the lives of our residents.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave starting at 28 days
- Free onsite car parking
- Contributory salary sacrifice pension scheme
- Free life assurance cover
- Ongoing training and development programmes
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Catering Assistant in Bedford employer: Bchal
BCHA is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering competitive pay, enhanced overtime rates, and a supportive work environment at Bedford Charter House. With a strong focus on employee growth through excellent in-house and external training opportunities, as well as sponsored qualifications, BCHA fosters a culture of respect and dignity, ensuring that every Care Assistant can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Bedford
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Bchal and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Bchal that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Bchal.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Bchal get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bchal
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Bchal and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
