Catering Assistant

Catering Assistant

Location: Rotherham

Salary: £22,833-£23,921 per annum depending on experience

At the Hospice, they provide exceptional care for all those affected by terminal illness and are the only adult hospice in Rotherham for the people of Rotherham and surrounding villages.

The Role

Are you a culinary enthusiast with a compassionate heart? The Hospice is seeking a dedicated Catering Assistant to join their team and play a vital role in the preparation, cooking, and service of food and beverages to patients. Beyond tantalizing taste buds, your culinary talents will have the power to touch hearts, contributing to the well-being of patients and their loved ones through the comforting experience of exceptional food.

 As a crucial member of their Hospice family, you'll not only showcase your cooking skills but also ensure that the kitchen and dining areas are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness and tidiness.

Collaboration is key, and the successful postholder will work closely with all departments within the hospice, fostering a supportive and integrated environment.

In their kitchen, where compassion and cuisine meet, you'll create more than just meals; you'll provide moments of respite and connection, making every dish a source of comfort, joy, and nourishment for those facing challenging times.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute the preparation of high-quality meals, considering dietary restrictions and therapeutic diets as required for Hospice patients
• Apply a variety of cooking techniques to ensure the flavours and nutritional content of each dish are optimised while maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene
• Accommodate special dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special dietary requirements, ensuring inclusivity for all service users / customers
• Work to rigorous quality control measures to guarantee consistency and excellence in the taste, presentation, and nutritional value of all dishes served
• Monitor inventory levels, listing and ordering ingredients and supplies as required
• Work collaboratively with wider cafe staff to provide a seamless dining experience for patients and visitors
• Engage with cafe service users/customers, demonstrating a hospitable and empathetic approach while addressing their needs and preferences with respect and professionalism
• Adhere to relevant food safety and hygiene regulations, ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and compliance with health department requirements
• Stay informed about culinary trends, attend relevant training, and contribute to the continuous improvement of the cafe team through knowledge-sharing and skill development
• Maintain a supportive and comforting atmosphere within the care, recognising the role that food plays in enhancing the overall hospice experience for patients and their families
• Communicate sensitively with patients as required when discussed individual requests and requirements
• Assemble and dispose of any food waste/disposable items for collection
• Receive, check and correctly store all deliveries ensuring delivery notes are retained for management administration
• Operate a cash register and provide counter services as necessary to ensure effective customer service including taking food orders, deal with queries, problems, complaints etc and ensure customers are not left unattended
• Undertake table clearing and dining area cleaning duties as required
• In the absence of the Chef, to be prepared to carry out other duties to ensure the continued smooth running of the kitchen

Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 months experience in a catering role
• Proficient in a variety of cooking techniques demonstrating the ability to prepare high-quality meals that are visually appealing and nutritionally sound
• Ability to bring creativity to the kitchen, experimenting with flavours, textures, and presentation to elevate the dining experience
• Good time management skills to handle multiple tasks efficiently and ensure timely preparation and service of meals
• Good problem-solving skills to address unexpected challenges in the kitchen and find creative solutions
• Able to multi-task on a variety of complex projects in a busy department
• Clear communication skills to work with kitchen staff, and other team members, ensuring a smooth operation in the kitchen
• Customer service orientation with the ability to interact positively with cafe patrons, addressing their needs and preferences with a friendly and hospitable demeanour

Benefits

• Holidays - A work-life balance is important for everyone, which is why they offer all employees 30 days annual leave per year (plus bank  holidays), plus an additional day’s leave in every 5th year.
• A supportive & comfortable working environment - Their Hospice is a calm and compassionate place to work, full of inspiring people who support one another.
• Hassle-free parking at no cost - No one is more than a couple of minutes’ walk from the Hospice.
• Great meals & drinks - Because their culinary team prepares food for patients 24/7, they cook for them too. Buy a lovely lunch with 50% off without even leaving the building.
• Reassurance - Whilst the here and now is important, they all think about the future. They offer employees a 6% pension after probation and a Life Assurance scheme which will pay 4x your annual salary should you die whilst working in their service.
• Training & development - Every employee will be supported with their training and development needs and will be regularly supported by their line manager.
• Competitive Pay Enhancements - Join their team and benefit from a 25% pay enhancement for evening and weekend shifts, plus double pay for bank holidays

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable organisation, then please do not hesitate to apply.

Closing date: Sunday 8th December 2024