Catering Assistant

Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; West Bromwich; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare service provider in West Bromwich is seeking a customer-focused catering assistant to prepare and serve meals in its patient catering department. Ideal candidates will have excellent customer service skills, a Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification, and a willingness to uphold HACCP standards. The role requires strong team collaboration and the ability to work under pressure. This position offers a chance to contribute to high-quality catering services in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a catering facility desirable.
• Willingness to undertake a Standard Enhanced DBS check if required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve inpatient meals and beverages.
• Clean catering areas and equipment.
• Handle cash and process payments.
• Complete required paperwork relating to HACCP.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP and COSHH standards.

Skills

Excellent customer service skills

Ability to work independently

Strong knowledge of CQC and environmental health

Ability to work under pressure

Good basic education and numerical skills

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification

NVQ Level 1 in Food Preparation or equivalent experience

Job description

Job Details

1 Post: 15 hours, shift pattern Mon-Fri 14:30–17:30, Hallam Street Hospital.

About the Department

The Black Country Healthcare Foundation Trust Catering Department provides a wide range of food‑related services across various inpatient and community sites in and around Sandwell, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Walsall.

The Catering Department at Hallam Street Hospital requires a customer‑focused catering assistant to work in the patient catering department and restaurant. Duties include preparing and serving inpatient meals and beverages across the hospital or in the patient, staff and visitor restaurant, cleaning, cash handling and an element of paperwork in relation to local HACCP.

The Estates & Facilities departmental objective is to ensure delivery of a safe and high‑quality catering service for the benefit of its service users and staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve inpatient meals and beverages across the hospital or restaurant.
• Clean catering areas and equipment.
• Handle cash and process payments.
• Complete required paperwork and logbooks relating to HACCP.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP and COSHH standards.

Requirements

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a busy team.
• Strong knowledge of CQC, environmental health, catering and trust legislation.
• Ability to work under pressure, self‑motivated, customer‑focused.
• Good basic education and basic reading, writing and numerical skills.
• Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification and/or NVQ Level 1 in Food Preparation or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of food safety – mandatory training will be provided on induction.
• Previous experience in a catering facility, and experience in a mental health/learning disabilities service is desirable.
• willingness to undertake a Standard Enhanced DBS check if required.

EEO Statement

The Trust is committed to equal opportunities, providing opportunities for flexible working and is a non‑smoking organisation. We are passionate about anti‑racism, disability inclusion and LGBTQ+ equality and welcome and encourage applications from people who belong to a minority or marginalised community, including Black and Asian, Disabled (including hidden disabilities such as neurodiversity, mental health, etc.), and LGBTQ+ people. Disabled applicants may request consideration under our Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS). Reasonable adjustments to the interview process will be made at each stage.

Trust Services

• Adult and older adult mental health services
• Specialist learning disability services
• Mental health services for children and young people
• Community healthcare services for children, young people and families in Dudley

Background

Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust provides specialist mental health, learning disability and community healthcare services for the population of the Black Country. The Trust was formed on 1 April 2020 through the merger of Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.

Salary & Terms

The salary range quoted is based on NHS Agenda for Change pay structures where applicable, taking into account the number of years working directly within the NHS. Experience gained with other NHS Trusts will apply; candidates without prior direct NHS experience will typically be appointed at the lowest point unless they demonstrate equivalent experience for eligibility of future incremental increases.

Additional Information

Due to the nature of the work some posts may be subject to a Standard Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us; the decision depends on the nature of the position and the circumstances of the offences.