Are you a naturally friendly and caring individual with a passion for food?
We are looking for someone like you to join our kitchen team, helping us deliver delicious, home-cooked meals for our patients. In this role, you will need to be hardworking and have experience in preparing homemade dishes, with a sharp eye for detail. A love for cooking and a genuine enthusiasm for serving nutritious, well-presented meals is essential.
Weston Hospicecare provides specialist care for local people who are living with life-limiting illnesses. A much loved and well supported local charity, the hospice is based in Uphill, a quiet village on the outskirts of Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.
Our kitchen is open 365 days a year 8am 6pm. You will be required to work a shift pattern 5 out of 7 days on a rota basis and include weekend / bank holiday working. A degree of flexibility is required in order to cover planned and unplanned absence.
The postholder is expected to be hands on in the kitchen preparing, cooking and serving meals, and be involved in cleaning after each service, as well as discussing patients dietary needs with patients and clinical staff as required. To thrive in our kitchen, you will need to be a team player who can also work independently when needed.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Support the catering service and staff in the provision of high-quality fresh food to patients, visitors and staff
Provide staff meals, catering, refreshments, meals or buffets as required to users of the training rooms
Ensure the catering facilities comply with current legislation such as food safety and health and safety standards
Prepare, cook and serve the planned dishes on the day (including breakfast, lunch and supper) from scratch using fresh ingredients, varying the menu if required, depending on the needs of patients and visitors.
Support the Chef Manager and other catering staff regarding other duties which may be required e.g. baking cakes, preparing vegetables, various cleaning duties in the kitchen and food store
Work closely with the staff on the In-patient Unit, Day Hospice and multi-disciplinary team supporting them to give guidance on meal selections/catering requirements reflecting dietary requirements.
Qualifications and Skills
City and Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or Level 3 NVQ equivalent work experience
Current basic food hygiene certificate
All round experience in catering, gained over at least 5 years
Experience of cooking for 20-20 people per day
Excellent food presentation skills
Ability to work on own or as part of a team
Excellent communication skills with a cheerful and positive character
Flexible and able to adapt with changing patient needs with a go the extra mile mindset
Ideally have worked within a healthcare environment
What we can offer in return
60% enhancements on Bank Holidays
6.6 weeks holiday
Bespoke training and development given
Uniform provided
Contributory pension/NHS transferable
Healthcare discount scheme
Employee Assistance programme
Subsidised bus travel with First Bus Commuter Travel Club
Free parking onsite or nearby
Appointment to this post is subject to a standard DBS certificate.
Note: we are unable to accept CVs without a completed application form.
For an informal discussion, please contact Fiona Wilkie, Head of Estate & Facilities on 01934 423900.
The closing date for completed applications is Monday, 17 March 2025 (Midday). It is anticipated that interviews will take place on 26/27 March.
If you're passionate about food and eager to make a positive impact, wed love to have you on our team! Apply today and help us provide excellent care through quality cooking
We value and encourage applications from all sections of the community.
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