Bank Band 2 Catering Assistant

Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Oldbury; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare organization is seeking a Catering Assistant to ensure high-quality food services for patients and staff. Responsibilities include meal preparation, adhering to hygiene standards, and operating kitchen equipment. The ideal candidate will have some catering experience and knowledge of food safety protocols. The position contributes significantly to patient care by delivering nutritious meals and maintaining a clean kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in a catering or kitchen environment is preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Ability to handle cash and operate kitchen equipment.

Responsibilities

• Work within a team to deliver a high standard of service.
• Assist in meal preparation and ensure hygiene practices.
• Operate tills and handle cash safely.
• Clean premises and communicate equipment failures.

Job description

Role Overview

The role of the Catering Assistant is to work within the Trust Facilities Management structure to ensure that the Catering service delivers a high quality and safe service to patients, visitors, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Work as a member of the kitchen team, ensuring a high standard of service to patients, staff and visitors, paying particular attention to hand hygiene, temperature control and cross‑contamination.
• Assist in the preparation and serving of meals, ensuring portion control, presentation and temperature control for all guests.
• Assist in the service delivery and preparation of special functions and hospitality.
• Operate tills and handle cash in accordance with recommended prices and financial instructions, ensuring hand washing when handling cash and food.
• Operate machinery such as dishwashers, ensuring all equipment/crockery and cutlery are cleaned at appropriate temperatures; maintain knife safety skills.
• Clean premises and equipment as requested throughout the department, adhering to cleaning schedules and COSHH regulations.
• Assist in the receipt, rotation and storage of food and non‑food items, taking into consideration BCPFT food hygiene policy and all health and safety policies.
• Immediately report any failure of equipment or failure to comply with food safety standards.
• Record and check temperatures of fridges and freezers as directed by the Catering Team Leader.
• Clean and stock vending machines within the hospital site, reporting any damage or safety issues to the Catering Team Leader.
• Assist in the delivery of meals and supplies to wards.
• When serving in the café or restaurants, ensure that counters are fully stocked.
• Handle complaints sensitively and in accordance with the Trust’s standards, taking corrective action where necessary and ensuring lessons learned are communicated.
• Uphold all Infection Prevention and Control measures as required within the Trust.
• Ensure that all domestic consumables are always available in the kitchen in the appropriate dispenser/holder.
• Perform ad‑hoc cleaning tasks as required by the Facilities Supervisor – Catering.
• Ensure there are always sufficient ward provisions and snack boxes.
• Support requests for special requirements for patients and communicate to the Facilities Supervisor – Catering or Site Facilities Co‑ordinator.