Catering Assistant

Islet Systems; Dawlish; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Dawlish is seeking a Catering Assistant to join their team in providing nutritious meals for patients. The ideal candidate will work in a busy environment, performing tasks such as food preparation and cleaning, while demonstrating excellent communication skills and a positive attitude. No previous experience is required, as full training will be provided.

Qualifications

• Basic level of numeracy and literacy required.
• Good verbal and written communication skills needed.
• Moderate physical ability for tasks such as pushing, pulling, and lifting.

Responsibilities

• Pick and pack patient meal orders.
• Carry out freezer work, food preparation, and cleaning tasks.
• Ensure safe running of services with proactive decision-making.

Skills

Good verbal and written communication skills

Basic IT skills

Ability to follow food production schedules

Demonstrate a flexible, reliable and enthusiastic approach

Understanding of customer care

Education

Basic level of numeracy and literacy

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

QCF Level 2 qualification in Catering or Hospitality

Job description

Job Summary

• Would you like to play a hands‑on role providing meals for our wards from our central catering facility?
• Do you take pride in your work and want to play your part in creating healthy accredited meals for our patients?
• Have you always wanted to live and work in one of the UK’s most beautiful counties?

Role Overview

We are recruiting a Catering Assistant to provide essential services within the catering department based at Langdon Hospital, Dawlish (EX7 0NR). The position suits someone who likes working as part of a small team in a busy Catering Department. It is a varied and challenging role that will see you involved in duties that include some freezer work for picking and packing patient meals, along with food preparation and cleaning tasks.

The role operates on a straight shift pattern between the hours of 06.30am and 15.30pm. Full uniform and training will be provided. No evenings, no catering experience required as full training will be given.

Responsibilities

You will be on your feet for long periods of time and will carry out freezer work, food preparation, picking and packing patient meal orders, and cleaning tasks. You will need to have excellent communication skills, a good work ethic and be able to make decisions that ensure the safe running of our services. You will be positive, hardworking and committed to delivering high standard services with a passion for catering and an eye for detail.

About Us

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing, and we strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people’s recovery.

Our Values

We recruit based on qualifications & experience – we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trust’s core values. These include showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We are an inclusive employer and applications are encouraged from all sections of the community, regardless of protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. Part‑time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Person Specification – Essential

• Basic level of numeracy and literacy
• Basic IT skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to provide and receive routine information to customers and colleagues
• Ability to store deliveries ensuring good stock control
• Judgement involving straightforward facts or situations
• Ability to follow food production schedules
• Ability to pick and pack patient meal orders
• Demonstrate a flexible, reliable and enthusiastic approach to duties
• Moderate physical ability: pushing, pulling, lifting, receiving and storing stock, using catering and cleaning equipment
• Understanding of customer care

Person Specification – Desirable

• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate
• QCF Level 2 qualification in Catering or Hospitality
• Experience of working in a busy catering environment
• Knowledge of COSHH
• Knowledge of working procedures and practices in catering service
• Basic level of food safety
• Basic knowledge of food allergens & intolerances

Disclosure (DSFA) and Barring

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.