Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve meals and maintain kitchen operations in a friendly environment.
- Company: Join Bedford Citizens Housing Association, making a difference in residents' lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, free parking, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: No experience needed; full training provided to kickstart your catering career.
- Qualifications: A positive attitude and willingness to learn are all you need!
- Other info: Work in a new building with a supportive team and great growth opportunities.
Overview
Bedford Citizens Housing Association, BCHA, is 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.
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 employer: Bedford Citizens Housing Association
Contact Detail:
Bedford Citizens Housing Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Bedford Citizens Housing Association and their values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. As a Catering Assistant, you'll be interacting with residents and staff regularly. Role-play common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and ensure you can handle requests politely and efficiently.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your adaptability. The job description mentions changing work methods or departments, so think of examples from your past where you've successfully adapted to new situations. This will impress your interviewers!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly, and it makes the process smoother for both of us. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen on joining our friendly team at Bedford Charter House.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for catering and helping others shine through. We want to see that you’re excited about the role and ready to contribute positively to our residents' lives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. Even if you don’t have previous catering experience, focus on any relevant skills like teamwork or customer service.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate straightforward applications! Keep your language clear and to the point, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Catering Assistant role.
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 position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedford Citizens Housing Association
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the menu and any special dietary requirements. Being able to discuss the meals confidently will show that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with others, highlight your ability to work as part of a team. Share examples from past experiences where you collaborated effectively with colleagues or helped create a positive environment.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Safety Awareness
Understand the importance of health and safety standards in a kitchen setting. Be prepared to discuss how you would maintain cleanliness and adhere to hygiene protocols, even if you don't have prior experience.
✨Prepare for Resident Interaction
This role requires communication with residents, so think about how you would handle requests or complaints. Practice polite and helpful responses to common scenarios to demonstrate your customer care skills.
