Job Title
Assistant Cook
Location
Heald Green
Salary
Band 3 – £24,793 to £26,444, Competency Based Framework, with enhancements for weekends and bank holidays
Hours
37.5 Hours. 5 days over 7, 2 weekends per month
06.30-14.30 or 10.30-18.30
Contract
Permanent
Introduction
At St Ann’s Hospice, there’s one thing that motivates us and that’s providing excellent care and support to those living with or affected by life-limiting Illnesses.
We’re continuously developing our plans for delivering outstanding person-centered care that is innovative and evidence- based and to ensure St Ann’s is in the best shape possible for future generations.
You’ll be challenged, inspired and empowered to help us achieve our purpose and to play your part in making a difference.
Job Summary
To support the work of the hospice in its provision of specialist palliative care by assisting the Head Cook to meet the food service aims and objectives of the Catering team and the wider organisation.
The Assistant Cook plays a fundamental part in supporting the catering provision by ensuring the catering requirements for patients, visitors and staff are fully met. The role requires someone who can show sensitivity, compassion and respect as we support our patients and their families whilst in our care. The Assistant Cook must be passionate about professional service delivery, embrace change and inclusivity and strive to improve both the service while developing their own skills.
The Assistant Cook should demonstrate factual knowledge of food and ingredients and have skills and experience suitable for role.
The Role
The Assistant Cook will:
- Assist the Head Cook in the day to day smooth running of the kitchen and the catering service.
- Prepare meals to specification and ensure that they meet hospice specified quality, quantity and visual standard.
- Deputise for the Head Cook in their absence which will include the supervision of staff, completion of staff rotas, order and receipt of supplies and the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment.
- Ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times.
- Assist in the planning and preparation of patient and staff menus and meals.
- Liaise with patients, nursing staff, Dietician and others to ensure that the nutritional requirements of patients is met.
- Assist in menu planning and the preparation and service of meals for events.
- Assist in the maintenance of the food safety management system.
- Undertake other duties reasonably assigned by the Head Cook.
- Adhere to safe working practices and all health & safety matters.
Requirements
The Assistant Cook will have:
- An NVQ or C&G Level 2 food preparation or equivalent background experience.
- Basic Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate.
- Knowledge to ensure food production is safe and supports the needs of patients, e.g. allergens and nutrition, or willingness to develop.
- NVQ in Hospitality, or equivalent or willingness to work towards.
- Experience in food preparation.
- A good level of IT skills, with willingness to develop.
- Willingness to undertake further training courses as required.
The Assistant Cook will be able to:
- Show enthusiasm for the role and will take pride in delivery a first-class catering service.
- Organise their time and prioritise activities.
- Communicate well with others.
- Show empathy and understanding towards patients and their families.
- Support the Head Cook to produce nutritious well-presented meals.
- Demonstrate specific knife skills and cooking techniques.
- Work well as part of a team and independently using own initiative.
- Maintain concentration in a busy environment.
- Offer flexibility when required to work cross-site.
Key Benefits
- 35 days annual leave rising to 37 after 5 years and 41 after 10 years (inc. bank holidays, pro rata for part-time employees)
- Buy an additional week annual leave (pro rata for part-time)
- Health cash plan
- Contributory pension scheme up to 7% matched contribution
- Life cover
- Free parking
- Discounted lunches on site
- Flexibility to fit your work around your home life
- Meaningful work, making a difference in the lives of others
- IIP accredited employer creating the right environment for everyone to thrive and reach their potential
How to Apply
If you would like to contribute to making a difference for a much-loved charity, we’d love to hear from you.
Click here to apply.
Please contact Caroline Smith on 0161 498 3660 or email csmith@sah.org.uk for more information.
Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time.
The successful candidate will be subject to a Standard/Enhanced DBS Check, the cost of which is covered by the hospice. Any post holder within the organisation will be expected to undertake safeguarding training appropriate to their role and adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures. All staff must work in accordance with their statutory roles and responsibilities in relation to safeguarding in accordance with the Working Together to Safeguarding Children 2023, The Care Act 2014, and Prevent Duty 2015.
Timescales
Closing date: 22nd May 2025
Interview date: 29th May June 2025
Benefits of Working at St Ann’s Hospice