Chef​/Cook

Overview

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. 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 Hospice care 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. The post requires a shift pattern of 5 out of 7 days on a rota basis to include weekend and bank holiday working.

A degree of flexibility is required 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.

• 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.
• All-round experience in catering is expected of the candidate, gained over at least 5 years. Experience of cooking for approximately 30 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.

• City and Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or Level 3 NVQ equivalent work experience.
• Current basic food hygiene certificate.
• Ideally have worked within a healthcare environment.

• 60% enhancements on Bank Holidays.
• 6.6 weeks holiday.
• Training and development opportunities.
• 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.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Appointment to this post is subject to a standard DBS certificate.
• A job share would be considered.
• For an informal discussion, please contact Sarah Little, Catering Manager on  If you re passionate about food and eager to make a positive impact, we d love to have you on our team! We value and encourage applications from all sections of the community.