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- Tasks: Assist in food preparation and maintain hygiene standards in a busy kitchen.
- Company: Join the friendly team at St Elizabeth Hospice, dedicated to high-level patient care.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and the chance to make a difference in people's lives.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in catering while supporting patients in a caring environment.
- Qualifications: Previous catering experience preferred; customer service skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal development and training in a supportive setting.
The predicted salary is between 1000 - 1200 £ per month.
We are looking for a Catering Assistant to join our hardworking, busy and friendly team. You will be required to assist the Head Chef and Cooks in the preparation of food to the highest standards of hygiene and quality, and to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen and dining areas.
Main duties of the job:
- You will work 18 hours per week on a two-week rota.
- Week 1: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 12:30 - 18:30
- Week 2: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 12:30 - 18:30
The ideal candidate will have previous catering experience, and experience within a healthcare environment would be desirable. You will have excellent customer service skills and be a flexible team player.
About us:
St Elizabeth Hospice is committed to safeguarding & protecting the adults & young people that we work with & has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect & discrimination of any person. As such, all posts are subject to a rigorous safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records & vetting checks. We have a range of robust safeguarding policies in place which promote safeguarding across the hospice & staff are expected to undertake regular, mandatory safeguarding training to equip them with the knowledge & skills to identify & respond to potential risks.
Job responsibilities:
- To assist the Head Chef and Cooks in the preparation of food to the highest standards of hygiene and quality and to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen and dining areas.
- Demonstrate a commitment to keeping adults and young people safe.
- Report any disclosure made to you to the appropriate person.
- Report any safeguarding concerns in the workplace to the appropriate person.
- Maintain an awareness of the Hospice's policies in relation to safeguarding.
- To assist with the preparation and serving of food.
- To liaise with in-patients and the Community on a daily basis to get their menu choice advising as necessary on special requirements and dietary needs, and nutrition.
- To provide front-of-house service including taking payment for meals from staff and visitors.
- Responsible for the preparation and cooking of some meals such as breakfasts, jacket potatoes, paninis, sandwiches, pastas, omelettes, soups and desserts.
- To provide a front of house service for colleagues and visitors during the dining room open hours.
- Ensure vending machines are replenished as required.
- To ensure that the coffee machines are kept fully stocked.
- As far as possible to respond immediately to patient food requests.
- To operate various machines and equipment in relation to the preparation of food and cleaning of the kitchen and dining areas.
- To clean the catering areas, food trolleys and dining area daily.
- To remove rubbish etc regularly from the kitchen areas.
- To wash up crockery, cutlery, pans etc as necessary, either with dishwasher or manually.
- Participate in regular stock takes.
- Manage deliveries into the kitchen, ensure kitchen is kept clear and safe at all times.
- To assist with the serving of meals to patients, staff and visitors.
- To carry out more in-depth cleaning of kitchen areas as scheduled.
- To assist in ensuring waste within the catering department is kept to a minimum.
- Preparation of foods for the Hospice Cafes as directed by Cook or Head Chef.
- To prepare the hot trolley for service of patient meals as required.
- To undertake training as required.
- To cover other Catering Assistant shifts in the event of annual leave and sickness absence.
- To hand over all relevant information to other members of the catering team.
- Maintain a safe working environment through observation and implementation of Health and Safety and Environmental Health Regulations in order to meet statutory and departmental requirements.
- To recognise indications of staff stress and to facilitate staff support.
- To participate in the induction of all new staff and volunteers as required.
- To recognise the value of volunteer contribution and play an active part in their support and development where appropriate.
- To work in other areas of the Hospice as required.
Educational responsibilities:
- To participate in the Hospice education programme.
- To give feedback from attended education programmes/study days.
Personal development:
- To devise with the Chef a personal development plan in line with the Hospice objectives and personal needs.
- To maintain and increase personal professional skills.
Organisational responsibilities:
- To work at all times within the policies of the Hospice and act within Care Standards at all times.
- To uphold the hospice and individual team values at all times.
- To ensure effective use of resources.
- To respect at all times the confidentiality of information covering patients, staff and volunteers.
- To play an active part in the development and maintenance of good relationships with all who have business with the Hospice.
- To promote the Hospice philosophy of care towards patients, relatives and visitors.
This job description is not necessarily exhaustive and may be subject to review by the line manager in conjunction with the postholder.
Person Specification:
- Previous catering experience.
- Experience in healthcare environment.
- Health & Safety certificate.
- First Aid certificate.
Personal Qualities:
- Ability to communicate well with people on routine and operational matters.
- At ease serving and communicating with palliative care patients.
- Calm and patient nature with the ability to offer a caring service of the highest standard to our patients.
- Customer focus - need for high standards of service to patients, staff and visitors.
- Excellent inter-personal skills.
- Team player - co-operative, friendly attitude.
- Flexible and positive work ethic.
- Flexible approach to working hours.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
£12,054.24 a year Scale A WTE £25,113 effective from 1 April 2026.
Catering Assistant in Ipswich employer: St Elizabeth Hospice
Contact Detail:
St Elizabeth Hospice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, try to connect with current staff on social media or through networking events. This gives you insider info and shows you're genuinely interested in joining their friendly crew.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! During the interview, be ready to share specific examples of your catering experience. Talk about how you've maintained hygiene standards or dealt with dietary needs – it’ll make you stand out as a candidate who knows their stuff.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible! The job requires a bit of adaptability, so highlight your willingness to cover shifts or help out wherever needed. A positive attitude goes a long way in a busy kitchen environment!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you can find more info about the role and the amazing work we do at St Elizabeth Hospice.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any previous catering experience you have, especially in a healthcare setting. We want to see how your skills can contribute to our friendly team!
Be Personable: Since you'll be interacting with patients and staff, let your excellent customer service skills shine through in your application. A warm, approachable tone can go a long way!
Tailor Your Application: Read the job description carefully and tailor your application to match. Use similar language and focus on the qualities we value, like teamwork and flexibility.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Elizabeth Hospice
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your catering knowledge, especially in hygiene standards and food preparation. Familiarise yourself with common dietary needs and how to accommodate them, as this will show that you're ready to assist the Head Chef and Cooks effectively.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since you'll be interacting with patients and visitors, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent customer service skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you provided outstanding service, especially in a healthcare setting, and be ready to share them during the interview.
✨Be a Team Player
Highlight your ability to work well in a team. Prepare to discuss times when you've collaborated with others in a busy environment. St Elizabeth Hospice values a friendly and cooperative attitude, so showing that you can fit into their team dynamic is key.
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Research St Elizabeth Hospice and understand their mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding patient care and safeguarding. This will demonstrate your commitment to their cause and your readiness to contribute positively.