Job summary
The Catering Assistant supports the hospice's food services by assisting in meal preparation, accurately taking and fulfilling patients' meal orders, and ensuring their comfort during dining.
The role includes maintaining cleanliness in kitchen and dining areas, adhering to infection control policies, and managing stock deliveries and rotation.
Working collaboratively with catering staff and volunteers, the assistant must be adaptable to various tasks within the department. Upholding the hospice's values and maintaining confidentiality are essential, as is demonstrating sensitivity in interactions with patients, visitors, and volunteers.
Main duties of the job
As a Catering Assistant, you will be delivering high-quality service and nutritious meals to patients, visitors, and staff. We pride ourselves on our values of care, compassion, respect, and teamwork. If youre looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference in a supportive and inclusive environment, this is the place for you. Responsibilities include:
Meal Preparation & Service: Assist in preparing and serving meals and beverages to patients, ensuring their dietary needs and preferences are met with care and efficiency.
Patient Comfort: Ensure patients' comfort during mealtimes, addressing their needs promptly and courteously.
Hygiene & Cleanliness: Maintain cleanliness in kitchen and dining areas, adhering to infection control policies to provide a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
Stock Management: Assist with deliveries and manage stock rotation, ensuring all food items are stored appropriately and used within their best-before dates.
Team Collaboration: Work closely with catering staff and volunteers, supporting each other to deliver high-quality food services.
Flexibility: Adapt to various tasks within the catering department as required, demonstrating a willingness to contribute where needed.
About us
Ashgate Hospice, based in North Derbyshire, offers free palliative and end of life care for adults with life-limiting or incurable illnesses, including cancer, neurological diseases, and advanced heart, kidney, and lung conditions. Last year, we cared for over 2,400 people. Our aim is to support our patients by keeping them informed, managing their symptoms, and improving their quality of life from diagnosis onwards.
We also provide vital support to the people who are important to them, offering practical assistance and emotional support, including bereavement services.
Were more than a care provider. Were a campaigner for sustainable end of life care funding in the UK, and we continually invest in our services and workforce.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please review the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more details about the role. If youd like to learn more, feel free to contact Mark Taylor at 01246 568801 or email mark.taylor@ashgatehospice.org.uk . Youre also welcome to arrange a visit to the hospice to see what its like to work with us.
Applications must be submitted via the Apply Now button on our website. We cannot accept applications sent directly to HR or the recruiting manager.
If you're successful, a DBS check will be part of the pre-employment process, with further details available in the candidate notes. As a healthcare provider, we prioritise safety, so we encourage and recommend all staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and have the flu jab, unless exempt. If you need assistance during the recruitment process, our HR team is available at hr@ashgatehospice.org.uk or 01246 568 801.
We are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process. We offer reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities, neurodiverse conditions, or health needs. As part of our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion goals, we guarantee to shortlist disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. To support your success, well share interview questions with all will be shortlisted candidates in advance.
Additional resources, like the Health Adjustment Passport and Access to Work scheme, are available to support adjustments or needs. For further guidance, you can also reach out to the Disability Employment Service or Reed in Partnership, Chesterfield Office. Our HR team is happy to help with any questions about adjustments or accessibility.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please review the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more details about the role. If youd like to learn more, feel free to contact Mark Taylor at 01246 568801 or email mark.taylor@ashgatehospice.org.uk . Youre also welcome to arrange a visit to the hospice to see what its like to work with us.
Applications must be submitted via the Apply Now button on our website. We cannot accept applications sent directly to HR or the recruiting manager.
If you're successful, a DBS check will be part of the pre-employment process, with further details available in the candidate notes. As a healthcare provider, we prioritise safety, so we encourage and recommend all staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and have the flu jab, unless exempt. If you need assistance during the recruitment process, our HR team is available at hr@ashgatehospice.org.uk or 01246 568 801.
We are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process. We offer reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities, neurodiverse conditions, or health needs. As part of our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion goals, we guarantee to shortlist disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. To support your success, well share interview questions with all will be shortlisted candidates in advance.
Additional resources, like the Health Adjustment Passport and Access to Work scheme, are available to support adjustments or needs. For further guidance, you can also reach out to the Disability Employment Service or Reed in Partnership, Chesterfield Office. Our HR team is happy to help with any questions about adjustments or accessibility.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2) or willingness to complete training upon appointment.
Desirable
- NVQ level 2 Food Production or Hospitality
- Experience of working within a catering or hospitality environment
Experience
Essential
- Respect and maintain confidentiality of patient and organisational information.
- Basic knowledge of special dietary needs (training will be provided)
- Familiarity with high standards of food preparation and service
Desirable
- Background in working within a hospice or similar environment.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2) or willingness to complete training upon appointment.
Desirable
- NVQ level 2 Food Production or Hospitality
- Experience of working within a catering or hospitality environment
Experience
Essential
- Respect and maintain confidentiality of patient and organisational information.
- Basic knowledge of special dietary needs (training will be provided)
- Familiarity with high standards of food preparation and service
Desirable
- Background in working within a hospice or similar environment.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
