Food Service Assistant

NHS; Chichester; On-site; GBP 25,000; Part time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a dedicated Catering Team at a prominent hospital. As a Food Service Assistant, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive their meals with care and efficiency. This position requires excellent communication skills, a patient attitude, and the ability to maintain high standards of cleanliness and food safety. Join a team that values diversity and inclusion, and contribute to a supportive environment that prioritizes patient care. If you are self-motivated and passionate about making a difference, this role could be perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in a care environment, especially with elderly individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with patients.

Responsibilities

• Maintain effective communication with ward staff and patients.
• Ensure timely communication of daily food orders.

Skills

Communication Skills

Catering Experience

Food Handling Skills

Experience with Elderly

Tools

iPads

Regen Hot Meal Trolleys

Beverage Carts

Job description

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Catering Team at St Richard's Hospital.

We are looking for a self-motivated individual to join us as a Food Service Assistant on our busy wards at St Richard's Hospital, working on a specialist unit.

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

- PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY -

(Additional bank positions/hours may be available on an ad hoc 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:

[e-mail]

Main duties of the job

• Experience working with elderly people, with knowledge and understanding to support their catering requirements.
• Previous work experience in a hospital or care environment, with ability to evidence this at interview.
• Demonstrate a caring, patient attitude aligned with our Trust values.
• Interact directly with patients to take meal orders, serve hot and cold meals, and beverages, requiring excellent communication skills.
• Maintain a clean environment to a high standard, complete HACCP documentation, and have a basic understanding of COSHH and food safety.
• Use equipment such as iPads, Regen hot meal trolleys, and beverage carts. Full training will be provided, but shifts involve being on your feet, pushing, pulling, bending, and lifting, often in warm environments.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength. We prioritize inclusion, patient care, and staff wellbeing, exemplified by our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. We support learning, development, and a long, fulfilling career with us.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust, committed to compassion, empathy, and excellence in healthcare.

Additional details

• Posted on: 02 May 2025
• Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
• Band: Band 2
• Salary: £24,169 per year, pro-rata
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Part-time
• Location: St Richard's Hospital, Spitalfield Road, Chichester, PO19 6SE

Job responsibilities

• Maintain effective communication and liaison with ward staff, team, and hospital departments.
• Communicate effectively with patients and relatives regarding food and beverage needs.
• Ensure privacy, dignity, and confidentiality at all times.
• Read and understand instructions, complete HACCP records accurately.
• Follow guidance from catering leaders and senior staff.
• Ensure timely communication of daily orders to enable food preparation and delivery.

Please see JD and PS for full details

Person Specification

General Essential

• Excellent communication skills
• Experience in a care environment (hospital or care home)

Experience Essential

• Previous catering experience
• Food handling skills

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Essential

• Evidence of championing diversity in previous roles
• Evidence of personal development to improve understanding of equalities issues

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A DBS check will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.