At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the catering team by serving delicious meals and managing café operations.
- Company: St Columba's Hospice Care, a compassionate and caring environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, complimentary drinks, and travel expense claims.
- Other info: Flexible half-day shifts with ongoing training and support.
- Why this job: Make a difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills and a willingness to learn.
This role provides support to the catering team by delivering a café service for staff and carrying out catering duties across the hospice site. The role upholds the hospice values of Care and Compassion, Respect, Trust and Partnership in all interactions with patients, families and visitors.
Responsibilities
- Set up and manage the till for breakfast and lunch shifts.
- Enter payments into the till.
- Set up breakfast and lunch areas, including preparing paninis and toasties.
- Serve breakfast and lunch to staff.
- Clear and clean the counter and café tables after each meal.
- Maintain cleanliness and stock levels in the serving, tea/coffee and pantry areas.
- Wipe and clean tables and remove dirty plates to the panwash area.
- Store clean crockery and cutlery appropriately.
Required Skills & Experience
- Compliance with Health and Safety, Infection Control and Hygiene regulations, including wearing an apron, hat or hairnet.
- Excellent people and communication skills.
- Numeracy for operating the till.
- Ability to prioritise during busy café periods.
- Willingness to work as part of the wider catering team with staff and volunteers.
- Openness to training on café equipment, group supervision and continuing professional development.
- Understanding of the hospice’s work and values.
Time Commitment & Schedule
The role is a half‑day once a week. Shifts: 8:30–11:30am or 11:30am–2:30pm. The role is reviewed annually.
Location
St Columba's Hospice Care, 15 Boswall Road, Edinburgh.
Support Network
Reporting to the Hospitality Lead and supported by the Catering Lead and the catering team. Additional volunteer support is provided by the Volunteer Services team.
Recruitment & Training
- Recruitment checks and interview with the Volunteer Services Manager and Hospitality Lead.
- Completion of the Hospice Volunteer Induction Programme and Hospice Orientation.
- Completion of a Catering Induction Programme.
- 1‑to‑1 training for the role by the Head Chef or a member of the Catering Team or Hospitality Lead.
- Group supervision and ongoing professional development updates.
Benefits
- Complimentary tea and coffee for all volunteers, staff, patients and families.
- Free meal from the staff café or Iona Café for volunteers who work a full day.
- Claim reasonable travel expenses for transport to and from the hospice or other volunteering locations.
Staff Cafe Volunteer employer: St Columba's Hospice
St Columba's Hospice Care is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its staff and volunteers, fostering a culture of care, compassion, and respect. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the hospice offers meaningful volunteer opportunities with comprehensive training and support, ensuring personal growth and development within a collaborative team environment. Enjoy benefits such as complimentary refreshments and meals, alongside the chance to make a real difference in the lives of patients and their families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Staff Cafe Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the hospice's values! When you chat with the team or during your interview, sprinkle in how you align with their Care and Compassion, Respect, Trust, and Partnership ethos. It shows you’re not just about the role but also about the mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since this role is all about serving staff and interacting with others, think of a few scenarios where you’ve shown excellent communication or teamwork. We want to see that you can handle busy café periods with a smile!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to show your numeracy skills! Brush up on basic maths for operating the till. You might even want to practice entering payments quickly to demonstrate your confidence during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Staff Cafe Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how much you care about supporting our staff and upholding the hospice values. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have that aligns with the responsibilities of the Staff Cafe Volunteer role. Whether it's working in a café or volunteering before, we want to know how your skills can contribute to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. Remember, we’re looking for specific examples of your skills and experiences!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and get back to you. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our community at St Columba's Hospice Care.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Columba's Hospice
✨Know the Values
Familiarise yourself with the hospice's values of Care and Compassion, Respect, Trust, and Partnership. During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated these values in previous roles or experiences.
✨Show Your People Skills
Since this role involves serving staff and interacting with visitors, highlight your excellent communication skills. Think of specific instances where you’ve successfully worked as part of a team or provided great customer service.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about handling busy periods in the café. Prepare to discuss how you prioritise tasks and manage time effectively, especially during breakfast and lunch shifts when things can get hectic.
✨Understand Health and Safety
Brush up on basic Health and Safety, Infection Control, and Hygiene regulations relevant to food service. Being knowledgeable about these topics will show your commitment to maintaining a safe and clean environment for everyone.
