Job summary 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 Cook workingweekendsonly tosupport us in delivering exceptional care through nutritious and delicious meals and patient interaction. Main duties of the job You will be responsible for preparing high-quality meals that meet the dietary needs of our patients as well as for the public in our busy Sunflower Cafe. The successful candidate will work closely with the healthcare team to ensure that all meals are nutritious, safe, and tailored to the individual preferences of our patients. About us We are a local charity providing compassionate care to people whose illnesses are nolonger curable. We promote dignity in dying and empower people to make thechoices they want, from the moment they are diagnosed.Our care considers peoples medical, spiritual and emotional needs, includingsupport for loved ones and carers. Anyone living in Basildon and Thurrock can call onus 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Working alongside other healthcare providers, our specialist services are available atthe hospice, out in the community or in a persons place of residence. Together, we fulfilpeoples choices at the end of their life.We are a charity and the services we provide are free. We rely on voluntary incomefrom local people to deliver the care they deserve. Date posted 28 March 2025 Pay scheme Other Salary £11.67 to £12.86 an hour Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time Reference number B0487-25-0007 Job locations St. Lukes Hospice Farriers Way Bulphan Upminster Essex RM14 3EB Job description Job responsibilities Key Responsibilities for Cook To prepare/provide a full, nutritional and balanced diet for patients (in conjunction with the nursing and/or medical staff), visitors, and staff of St. Lukes Hospice. To undertake all cooking duties for The Sunflower Cafe and provide high quality food at all times. These would include breakfast, lunch and specials menus. Cake baking and decorating in-house. Preparing afternoon teas, seasonal menus, buffet functions and large catering events. To prepare all foods in strict accordance to Allergens and Food Safety Guidelines. To prepare all meals to a high culinary standard, maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety in the execution of these duties, as well as assisting to provide the homely atmosphere required in special relationship to catering. To help co-ordinate the Catering team day to day, assisting with Front of House and Back of House duties when required. To plan service development in conjunction with the Catering Supervisor and Hospitality and Catering Manager and the Catering Team, deputising for the Catering Supervisor in their absence. Job description Job responsibilities Key Responsibilities for Cook To prepare/provide a full, nutritional and balanced diet for patients (in conjunction with the nursing and/or medical staff), visitors, and staff of St. Lukes Hospice. To undertake all cooking duties for The Sunflower Cafe and provide high quality food at all times. These would include breakfast, lunch and specials menus. Cake baking and decorating in-house. Preparing afternoon teas, seasonal menus, buffet functions and large catering events. To prepare all foods in strict accordance to Allergens and Food Safety Guidelines. To prepare all meals to a high culinary standard, maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety in the execution of these duties, as well as assisting to provide the homely atmosphere required in special relationship to catering. To help co-ordinate the Catering team day to day, assisting with Front of House and Back of House duties when required. To plan service development in conjunction with the Catering Supervisor and Hospitality and Catering Manager and the Catering Team, deputising for the Catering Supervisor in their absence. Person Specification Personal Characteristics Essential Passion for cooking and caring for others through food. Broad knowledge of basic catering styles. 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. Adaptable and willingness to upskill where necessary Qualifications Desirable Food Safety Certificate Level 2 or equivalent. Experience Essential Previous experience as a cook or chef. Knowledge of allergens, dietary requirements and nutrition. Strong culinary skills and knowledge of various cooking techniques. Excellent organisational and time-management abilities. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Desirable Previous experience as a cook or chef in a healthcare setting or similar environment. Previous experience as a cook or chef in a commercial setting or similar environment. Experience in creating specialised diets (e.g., diabetic, low-sodium, gluten-free). Experience working in a hospice or similar healthcare environment. Experience with cake making and decorating. Experience with customer facing duties, including cash handling, operating tills and making Barista Style drinks. Person Specification Personal Characteristics Essential Passion for cooking and caring for others through food. Broad knowledge of basic catering styles. 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. Adaptable and willingness to upskill where necessary Qualifications Desirable Food Safety Certificate Level 2 or equivalent. Experience Essential Previous experience as a cook or chef. Knowledge of allergens, dietary requirements and nutrition. Strong culinary skills and knowledge of various cooking techniques. Excellent organisational and time-management abilities. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Desirable Previous experience as a cook or chef in a healthcare setting or similar environment. Previous experience as a cook or chef in a commercial setting or similar environment. Experience in creating specialised diets (e.g., diabetic, low-sodium, gluten-free). Experience working in a hospice or similar healthcare environment. Experience with cake making and decorating. Experience with customer facing duties, including cash handling, operating tills and making Barista Style drinks. 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. Employer details Employer name St Luke's Hospice Address St. Lukes Hospice Farriers Way Bulphan Upminster Essex RM14 3EB Employer's website https://stlukeshospice.com/ (Opens in a new tab)