Halton Haven Hospice

Kitchen Assistant

The closing date is 31 October 2025

Job summary

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Kitchen Assistant to join our team at Halton Haven Hospice. The ideal candidate will be able to provide outstanding support to a busy kitchen which will include food preparation, cooking of meals and general cleaning throughout, complying with HACCP management processes electronically. We are looking for someone who: Has an understanding of food safety processes, in line with environmental health guidelines. Has a positive attitude, is highly motivated and enthusiastic. Is willing to go above and beyond to ensure that our patients receive outstanding care. Can work three 7 hour shifts flexibly across a 7 day week, on a rota basis. Experience of working within a similar environment would be preferable as the role will require interaction with patients to encourage eating healthy and nutritious meals.

Main duties of the job

The Kitchen Assistant is expected to - Provide support to the kitchen lead, undertaking basic food preparation including the preparation of the Teatime meals and the lunchtime meals as required. Perform cleaning duties as detailed in the work schedule, or as required by the Kitchen Lead, to the required standard. Assist in the checking and storing of food orders and other provisions.

About us

Halton Haven Hospice provides Specialist Palliative and End of Life Care to the people of Halton and surrounding areas who are living with a life limiting illness. We reach a population of approximately 129,000 people and provide all of our services for free. We provide holistic care for our patients, and their loved ones, taking care of their physical and emotional needs so that they can focus on creating cherished memories for as long as possible. We are a registered charity working in partnership with the NHS and although we receive some funding, our wonderful community who support and raise much needed funds enabling us to continue our vital work. By joining the team at Halton Haven, you will be greeted with a warm welcome from day one and will receive an inclusive induction programme to support you through your early days. Each role at the Haven makes a real difference to our patients and their loved ones and we are committed to ensuring all our staff feel supported and valued in their roles.

Details

Date posted

20 October 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£12.21 an hour

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

B0020-25-0011

Job locations

Halton Haven Hospice

Barnfield Avenue

Murdishaw

Runcorn

Cheshire

WA7 6EP


Job description

Job responsibilities

General Tasks : To assist in basic food preparation as directed by the Kitchen Lead. To prepare meals, ensuring these are served at the correct temperature and that this is recorded as per kitchen policy. To prepare the vegetables and salad as required by the Kitchen Lead. To undertake dishwashing duties using the dishwasher provided and hand washing those cooking utensils not considered suitable for use in the dishwasher. To accept delivery of stock in the absence of a more senior person, checking this and ensuring it is correctly stored and that stock is rotated during this process. To always work within the food safety policy guidelines. To check diet notification forms for any allergies before preparing meals for service users. To ensure the correct color-coded board and equipment is used for preparing food for service users with allergies, and that all food is prepared in a separate area of the kitchen away from other foods to avoid contamination. To ensure that all food items, (cooked or raw) are stored safely, appropriately, and at the required temperature. To undertake routine cleaning of the designated area to the required standard. These include : Wiping the dining tables and chairs and cleaning the dining area after lunchtime meals. Washing the work surfaces after use and at the end of each shift. Wiping down door and other handles daily, ensuring these are free from debris and other contaminants. Emptying the waste bin and washing this daily. Ensuring the dining area and visitors room and their cups, containers and trays are kept clean. Ensuring the fridge in the visitors room is stocked and all food is labelled and dated, discarding any unlabelled or out-of-date food items as per policy. Ensuring visitors room is restocked at the end of each shift o Ensuring the floor is brushed thoroughly and mopped at the end of each shift. Ensuring the food cupboard in the dining room is checked at the end of each shift and the canisters have been refilled. Ensuring all closing checks are carried out at the end of each shift handing any relevant information over to the cook for the next day in the communications diary. Education and Training To undergo such education and training as may be necessary to competently carry out the post. 2 Communication To carry out all duties involving patients, their families, staff and volunteers in a courteous and respectful manner. To report all mishaps/accidents as and when they occur to the Kitchen Lead or person in charge. To report any equipment shortages and/or electrical faults to the Kitchen Lead or maintenance staff as and when they occur. To respect the confidential nature of all patient information. General To act responsibly at all times ensuring that any actions do not bring the Hospice into disrepute. To contribute to the team working and efficient functioning of the Hospice. To ensure compliance with the hospice policies and procedures and have regard for the employees obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. To attend Fire Safety Training as required and demonstrate awareness of the correct procedure to be undertaken in the event of a fire. To attend and participate in such meetings and events as may be reasonably required.

Job description

Job responsibilities

General Tasks : To assist in basic food preparation as directed by the Kitchen Lead. To prepare meals, ensuring these are served at the correct temperature and that this is recorded as per kitchen policy. To prepare the vegetables and salad as required by the Kitchen Lead. To undertake dishwashing duties using the dishwasher provided and hand washing those cooking utensils not considered suitable for use in the dishwasher. To accept delivery of stock in the absence of a more senior person, checking this and ensuring it is correctly stored and that stock is rotated during this process. To always work within the food safety policy guidelines. To check diet notification forms for any allergies before preparing meals for service users. To ensure the correct color-coded board and equipment is used for preparing food for service users with allergies, and that all food is prepared in a separate area of the kitchen away from other foods to avoid contamination. To ensure that all food items, (cooked or raw) are stored safely, appropriately, and at the required temperature. To undertake routine cleaning of the designated area to the required standard. These include : Wiping the dining tables and chairs and cleaning the dining area after lunchtime meals. Washing the work surfaces after use and at the end of each shift. Wiping down door and other handles daily, ensuring these are free from debris and other contaminants. Emptying the waste bin and washing this daily. Ensuring the dining area and visitors room and their cups, containers and trays are kept clean. Ensuring the fridge in the visitors room is stocked and all food is labelled and dated, discarding any unlabelled or out-of-date food items as per policy. Ensuring visitors room is restocked at the end of each shift o Ensuring the floor is brushed thoroughly and mopped at the end of each shift. Ensuring the food cupboard in the dining room is checked at the end of each shift and the canisters have been refilled. Ensuring all closing checks are carried out at the end of each shift handing any relevant information over to the cook for the next day in the communications diary. Education and Training To undergo such education and training as may be necessary to competently carry out the post. 2 Communication To carry out all duties involving patients, their families, staff and volunteers in a courteous and respectful manner. To report all mishaps/accidents as and when they occur to the Kitchen Lead or person in charge. To report any equipment shortages and/or electrical faults to the Kitchen Lead or maintenance staff as and when they occur. To respect the confidential nature of all patient information. General To act responsibly at all times ensuring that any actions do not bring the Hospice into disrepute. To contribute to the team working and efficient functioning of the Hospice. To ensure compliance with the hospice policies and procedures and have regard for the employees obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. To attend Fire Safety Training as required and demonstrate awareness of the correct procedure to be undertaken in the event of a fire. To attend and participate in such meetings and events as may be reasonably required.

Person Specification

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal Able to work sensitively and confidentially Able to work in a team Able to work to a high standard of cleanliness Organisation skills and time management within a structured framework Able to work well under pressure

Desirable

  • Some knowledge of dietary requirements of service users within a Healthcare setting Food presentation skills

Other

Essential

  • Able to work flexibly Able to maintain a professional appearance at all times in conjunction with uniform policy To undertake any other duty deemed reasonable as required by your Line Manager

Experience

Essential

  • Able to work independently and on own initiative

Desirable

  • Cooking experience (using fresh ingredients)

Qualifications

Essential

  • Current Food Hygiene Certificate
  • Experience in the Catering Industry

Desirable

  • Basic understanding of Health and Safety requirements

Personal Qualities

Essential

  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Able to organise and prioritise workload Self-motivated and able to motivate others
  • Effective team player

Desirable

  • Motivated to work within a Hospice environment Hold an understanding of the values and behaviour expected within this role
Person Specification

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal Able to work sensitively and confidentially Able to work in a team Able to work to a high standard of cleanliness Organisation skills and time management within a structured framework Able to work well under pressure

Desirable

  • Some knowledge of dietary requirements of service users within a Healthcare setting Food presentation skills

Other

Essential

  • Able to work flexibly Able to maintain a professional appearance at all times in conjunction with uniform policy To undertake any other duty deemed reasonable as required by your Line Manager

Experience

Essential

  • Able to work independently and on own initiative

Desirable

  • Cooking experience (using fresh ingredients)

Qualifications

Essential

  • Current Food Hygiene Certificate
  • Experience in the Catering Industry

Desirable

  • Basic understanding of Health and Safety requirements

Personal Qualities

Essential

  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Able to organise and prioritise workload Self-motivated and able to motivate others
  • Effective team player

Desirable

  • Motivated to work within a Hospice environment Hold an understanding of the values and behaviour expected within this role

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

Halton Haven Hospice

Address

Halton Haven Hospice

Barnfield Avenue

Murdishaw

Runcorn

Cheshire

WA7 6EP


Employer's website

https://WWW.HALTONHAVEN.ORG.UK (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Halton Haven Hospice

Address

Halton Haven Hospice

Barnfield Avenue

Murdishaw

Runcorn

Cheshire

WA7 6EP


Employer's website

https://WWW.HALTONHAVEN.ORG.UK (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Details

Date posted

20 October 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£12.21 an hour

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

B0020-25-0011

Job locations

Halton Haven Hospice

Barnfield Avenue

Murdishaw

Runcorn

Cheshire

WA7 6EP


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