At a Glance
- Tasks: Support meal services and ensure high food safety standards for patients and visitors.
- Company: Join a compassionate hospice team dedicated to person-centred care.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, training opportunities, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hours with a two-week rota, including weekends.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Food safety awareness and a compassionate, team-oriented attitude.
The predicted salary is between 12.6 - 15.4 £ per hour.
Starting Salary: £30,804 WTE - pro rata, per annum, (which includes £3,000 unsocial hours payment) (based on 37.5 hours per week) Rising to Step 2 £32,072 WTE - pro rata, per annum, (which includes £3,126 unsocial hours payment) (based on 37.5 hours per week) following 12 month satisfactory performance review.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week on a rota basis, includes weekends and bank holidays.
We’re looking for a caring, reliable Catering and Hospitality Assistant to help deliver safe, high‑quality catering services for patients, families, visitors and colleagues. You’ll join a team focused on person‑centred hospice care and play a key part in creating a welcoming, dignified dining experience. Compassionate and patient‑focused, you will have a strong focus on food safety, allergen management, personal hygiene and infection prevention & control. We anticipate that you will work alternate weeks within the kitchen and ward environments.
Duties will include:
- Supporting the daily meal and beverage service for patients within the ward, ward visitors and staff, ensuring meals are timely and accurate against dietary care plans.
- Helping to coordinate catering activity on shift, including demonstrating tasks and supporting volunteers.
- Maintaining high standards of food safety and allergen controls (HACCP principles, labelling, cross‑contamination prevention).
- Completing and recording key checks and maintaining essential records (for example temperature checks), safe storage and cleaning routines, food safety logs, allergen matrices and other compliance documentation.
- Working closely with the catering manager, head chef, dietitian and clinical teams to respond to changing dietary needs.
- Delivering a service with compassion and professionalism, escalating concerns appropriately including any changes noticed in a patient’s condition.
About you:
- Level 1 Food Safety qualification (or willingness to obtain) and awareness of food safety legislation and HACCP principles.
- Understanding of allergen management & cross‑contamination control and infection prevention & control.
- Compassionate, patient‑focused team player with clear communication skills.
Our values: Respect • Care & Compassion • Partnership • Trust.
Additional Information: You will work in our In‑Patient Unit and will sometimes be around people experiencing distress. You’ll be supported by an experienced team and will receive training appropriate to the role. Hours are allocated on a two-week rota basis and cover a Monday to Sunday service between 7.00am and 6.30pm. You will work every second weekend.
To apply: For further details about the role, including a full job description and application form, please visit our website - click 'Apply' to be redirected. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Sylwia Tanswell by contacting the Hospice reception.
Other benefits of working for the Hospice:
- 27 days annual leave on joining, 29 days annual leave after 5 years’ service, 33 days annual leave after 10 years’ service, per year, pro rata.
- 8 public holidays per year, pro rata.
- Contributory pension scheme 12% Hospice pension contribution (employee contribution 6%).
- Enhanced occupational sick pay.
- Family Friendly Policies.
- Training and development opportunities, Individualised induction, supervision and Personal Development Plan.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Access to Blue Light Card membership providing Discounts on gym membership, cinema tickets, retail and restaurants.
- Subsidised staff meals.
- Living Wage employer and Investors in People Gold Accreditation employer.
- Staff wellbeing support, including access to wellbeing resources and complementary therapy opportunities.
Criminal Record Check: This post requires the post holder to have a criminal record check. An application will need to be made to Disclosure Scotland and deemed satisfactory before the successful candidate can begin in post. The Hospice will pay/reimburse the cost of this check.
Right to work: Please note that St Columba's Hospice Care does not hold a licence to sponsor visas and is therefore unable to support visa applications. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship.
Catering and Hospitality Assistant employer: St Columba's Hospice
St Columba's Hospice Care is an exceptional employer, dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate palliative care in Edinburgh and the Lothians. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we offer a supportive work culture that values teamwork and holistic patient care. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying competitive salaries and benefits, including shift allowances and opportunities for professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering and Hospitality Assistant
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like St Columba's Hospice. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to St Columba's Hospice
Don't be shy about reaching out to St Columba's Hospice directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering and Hospitality Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about St Columba's Hospice and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Columba's Hospice
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
