Job Description

St. Luke's Hospice are a local charity providing compassionate care to people whose illnesses are no longer curable. We promote dignity in dying and empower people to make the choices they want, from the moment they are diagnosed.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual passionate about hospitality, looking to make a meaningful impact in a charity with a compassionate cause. Join St Luke's Hospice as a Catering Assistant and support us in delivering exceptional care through nutritious and delicious meals.
About the role
As a Catering Assistant, you will support the Cook and other catering team in preparing and serving meals to our patients and visitors. The successful candidate will ensure that all meals are prepared following dietary guidelines, maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment.
Key Responsibilities for Catering Assistant

• Assist in the preparation and cooking of meals according to dietary requirements.
• Serve meals to patients and visitors, ensuring a high level of customer service.
• Keep the kitchen and cafe areas clean and organised, adhering to health and safety standards.
• Assist in planning menus and meal schedules in collaboration with the Cook and healthcare team.
• Help maintain inventory and storage of kitchen supplies.
• Assist with washing dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
• Provide support to kitchen volunteers and new staff members.
• Adhere to all food safety and sanitation regulations.

Salary and Contract for Catering Assistant Position
Salary: 23874.98
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Sunday on a rotating shift pattern)
Location: Basildon Hospice and Thurrock Hospice
About you
Skills and Qualifications for Catering Assistant
Essential

• Previous experience in a catering, kitchen assistant, or similar role.
• Basic food preparation and cooking skills.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements and nutrition.
• Good organisational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Food Safety Certificate Level 2 or willingness to obtain it.

Desirable

• Experience working in a healthcare, hospice, or similar environment.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Experience with dietary guidelines and meal planning.

Personal Characteristics for Catering Assistant

• Passion for hospitality and caring for others through food.
• Attention to detail and high standards of cleanliness.
• Empathy for the ethos of the Hospice.
• Resilient and able to cope with challenging situations.
• Reliable and trustworthy.

About applying
When applying, don't forget to answer the questions in our application process to tell us more about how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience to be successful in this role.
Right to Work
St. Luke's Hospice is unable to sponsor work permits or visas. All candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
Belonging, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
At St Luke's Hospice, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes for the people who access our services. We particularly welcome applications from disabled, LGBT+ and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidates as these groups are currently under-represented in our teams. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of access requirements for people who have a disability.
We are a local charity providing compassionate care to people whose illnesses are no longer curable. We promote dignity in dying and empower people to make the choices they want, from the moment they are diagnosed.
Our care considers people's medical, spiritual and emotional needs, including support for loved ones and carers. Anyone living in Basildon and Thurrock can call on us 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Working alongside other healthcare providers, our specialist services are available at the hospice, out in the community or in a person's place of residence. Together, we fulfil people's choices at the end of their life.
We are a charity and the services we provide are free. We rely on voluntary income from local people to deliver the care they deserve.