At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prepare and serve food while ensuring a clean and safe kitchen environment.
- Company: Join Rainbows Hospice, making a difference for children and families in need.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, 27 days' leave, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with a supportive team and great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Use your catering skills to brighten lives and support families during tough times.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate required.
Kitchen Assistant
Location: Rainbows Hospice, Loughborough
Salary: £9,914 per annum (£24,785 FTE)
Hours: 15 hours per week (2 x 7.5‑hour shifts, Monday‑Friday on a rota basis. Rotas provided at least four weeks in advance.)
Use your catering skills to make a real difference to babies, children, young people and families across the East Midlands.
At Rainbows Children's Hospice, we provide specialist palliative care and end‑of‑life support to more than 750 babies, children and young people living with life‑threatening and life‑shortening conditions across the East Midlands. Simply put, we’re here to brighten short lives and support every family, wherever they are.
About The Role
Working alongside our Catering Manager and Chef, you’ll help prepare, serve and store food safely while maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the kitchen and dining areas.
Key Responsibilities Include
- Assisting with food preparation and basic cooking tasks.
- Serving meals and maintaining a clean and organised kitchen.
- Labelling and storing food safely.
- Washing catering equipment and completing cleaning duties.
- Supporting the set‑up and clearing of dining areas.
About You
- Experience in a catering or kitchen assistant role.
- A Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Knowledge of food safety regulations.
- Strong communication skills and a positive team‑focused approach.
Experience within a hospice, hospital, care home or similar healthcare setting would be advantageous.
What We Offer
- Free onsite parking.
- Blue Light Card eligibility and Company Shop membership.
- Healthcare Cashback Plan.
- Life Assurance.
- 27 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata).
- Pension scheme.
- Subsidised meals at the hospice.
- Free tea, coffee and fruit.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Wellbeing support and Mental Health First Aiders.
- Staff events, away days and visiting speakers.
For an informal discussion, please contact Michael Cayless, Catering Manager, at Michael.Cayless@Rainbows.co.uk.
To apply, click Apply Now to complete an online application form. If you require an alternative application method or reasonable adjustments, please contact recruitment@rainbows.co.uk.
This role is subject to a Standard DBS check and pre‑employment screening.
Kitchen Assistant (15 hours) employer: Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People
Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and families facing life-shortening illnesses. With a supportive work culture that values teamwork and community impact, employees benefit from generous holiday allowances, healthcare cashback, and a pension scheme, all while working in a vibrant new retail store in Shepshed. This role not only provides a chance for personal and professional growth but also allows you to lead a passionate team dedicated to a meaningful cause.
Contact Details:
Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant (15 hours)
✨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 Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People 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 Kitchen Assistant (15 hours)
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 Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People 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 Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.
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 Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People
✨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 Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People 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.