Food Service Assistant

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Chichester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare trust in Chichester is seeking a dedicated Food Service Assistant to join their catering team. You will work directly with patients, taking meal orders and serving food in a caring environment. Previous experience in a care setting is essential. The role offers extensive training and the chance to make a real difference in patient care. This is a full-time position working on busy wards, Monday to Saturday, with a focus on maintaining high standards of hygiene and customer service.

Benefits

Wellbeing Programme for staff

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience in a hospital or care environment is essential.
• Ability to demonstrate a caring, patient attitude in line with Trust values.
• Basic understanding of COSHH and food safety.

Responsibilities

• Interact directly with patients to take meal orders.
• Keep the environment clean to a high standard.
• Complete HACCP documentation accurately.

Skills

Experience working with elderly people

Excellent communication skills

Tools

iPads

Regen hot meal trolleys

Beverage carts

Job description

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University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

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Yes

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Job Reference:

f49eba84f0a6

Job Views:

4

Posted:

10.08.2025

Expiry Date:

24.09.2025

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Job Description:

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to joint the catering Team at St Richards hospital.

We are looking for a self motivated individual to join our team as a Food service assistant on our busy wards at St Richards Hospital working on a specialist unit .

We have 2 positions available, for 33 hours a week posts , Monday to Saturday

- PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY -

(Additional bank position/hours may be available on an add hock basis when available if desired)

Should you require Additional Support with completing your Application, Please contact the Facilities and Estates Recruitment Team via email below:

Main duties of the job

Applicants should have experience working with elderly people and have both knowledge and understanding to enable them to support their catering requirements, therefore it is essential that applicants have previous work experience in a hospital or care environment and are able to evidence their experience at the time of the interview, able to demonstrate a good understanding of this customer group and their needs, demonstrate and evidence a caring, patient attitude in line with our Trust values.

The role involves interacting directly with patients to take meal orders, serving hot and cold meals and serve beverages therefore excellent communication skills are essential.

Food service assistants are responsible for keeping their environment clean to a high standard, completing HACCP documentation and a basic understanding of COSHH and food safety is essential.

Food service assistants are required to use a range of equipment such as Ipads, Regen hot meal trolleys and beverage carts and whilst full training will be given to operate safely, applicants should be aware that the duration of their shift will be on their feet, pushing, pulling, bending and lifting while sometimes working in warm environments.

- PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY -

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Candidate information pack - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

- PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY -

Maintain good communication, liaison and working arrangements with ward staff, own team and other hospital departments.
Communicate effectively with patients and their relatives to ensure their food and beverage requirements are met.
To communicate in a courteous, co-operative and sympathetic manner with due regard for privacy, dignity and confidentiality at all times.
To read and understand written and verbal instructions, and complete HACCP records accurately.
Take instruction and direction from catering team leaders and senior staff on the ward.
Ensure daily orders are communicated in a timely manner, to enable the Catering Department to prepare and deliver food items on time.

Please see JD and PS for full details

Person specification

• Previous experience in a care environment (Hospital of care home)

Experience

• Previous Catering Experience

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications