Catering assistant

NHS; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Gateshead is seeking a dedicated catering assistant to provide exceptional food services to patients and dining areas. The role involves food preparation, safety compliance, and maintaining cleanliness. Ideal candidates will have a professional approach and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide catering services independently.
• Prepare food according to safety legislation.
• Complete daily cleaning duties as per schedules.

Skills

Teamwork

Professionalism

Education

Relevant qualifications

Job description

Job Description

Develop and maintain a professional rapport with service users, including nursing/housekeeping staff and dining room customers, by being polite and courteous at all times.

Ability to work primarily alone or as part of a team.

Maintain confidentiality at all times.

Attend staff meetings and communication briefs as required.

Main Duties

1. Work independently to provide catering services.
2. Prepare food in accordance with food safety legislation and departmental practices.
3. Complete daily cleaning duties according to schedules, ensuring compliance with COSHH regulations.
4. Regularly check and complete daily audit records related to safety, cleaning, and food hygiene.
5. Familiarize with department security and manage unlocking/locking procedures daily.
6. Report equipment defects for remedial action.
7. Respond to requests for additional or out-of-hours food requirements for patients and dining areas.
8. Place top-up food orders with the main kitchen using sound judgment.
9. Serve food to customers within dining areas.
10. Operate electronic cash registers and handle monies.

About Us

QE Facilities (QEF) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust (GHNT), based in North East England. We provide a range of non-clinical services including estates, facilities, procurement, medical engineering, endoscopy decontamination, transport, outpatient pharmacy, and violence & aggression training. We also offer consultancy services on establishing NHS subsidiary companies and VAT compliance.

Note: QE Facilities operates under its own Terms and Conditions, which differ from those of GHNT. This is not an Agenda for Change pay rate.

We do not hold a sponsorship license and cannot offer employment under sponsorship arrangements.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Responsibilities

Make routine judgments independently (e.g., food orders, customer inquiries), with supervisor support available by phone.

Handle food safely in compliance with legislative requirements.

Serve food according to production and portion size specifications.

Follow cleaning schedules and complete tasks as scheduled daily, weekly, and periodically.

Use initiative to adapt to work routine variations, seeking support when necessary.

Demonstrate flexibility in work area and shift patterns to meet service needs.

Ensure safe storage of food and cleaning chemicals and equipment.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Relevant qualifications as required.

Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Professional, supportive, and caring approach to patient and client interactions.
• Effective team working and participation, including multidisciplinary relationships.

Additional Information

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a DBS check for previous criminal convictions.

Employer Details

QE Facilities

Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Old Durham Road, Gateshead, NE9 6SX