St Luke's Hospice are a local charity providing compassionate care to people whose illnesses are no longer curable. We promote dignity in dying and empower people to make the choices they want, from the moment they are diagnosed.

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 and support us in delivering exceptional care through nutritious and delicious meals and patient interaction.

About the role

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 Café. 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.

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. Luke’s Hospice.

• To undertake all cooking duties for The Sunflower Café 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 menu’s, 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.

Salary and Contract for Cook Position

Pay rate: £11.67 to £12.86 per hour, depending on experience.
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time 37.5 hours per week 5 over 7 days (Monday to Sunday on a rotating shift pattern, including weekends and Bank Holidays)
Location: Thurrock Hospice (On-Site)

About you

Skills and Qualifications for the Cook position:

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.

• Food Safety Certificate Level 2 or equivalent.

Personal Characteristics for the Cook position

• 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

About Applying

When applying, ensure you provide answers to our questions, your latest CV and a supporting statement, detailing the skills, knowledge, and experience you bring to the role. Applications must be submitted by 9.00 am on Monday 30 September 2024.

Right to Work

St. Luke's Hospice is unable to sponsor work permits or visas. All candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

Belonging, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

At St Luke's Hospice, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes for the people who access our services. We particularly welcome applications from disabled, LGBT+ and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidates as these groups are currently under-represented in our teams. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of access requirements for people who have a disability.