Bank Catering Assistant - Higher Level

Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management (NHFM) provides specialist project management, estates maintenance and a full range of facilities services. Please note that NHFM is a wholly owned subsidiary of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The successful applicant will be an employee of the subsidiary and not the NHS. Please note the terms and conditions are closely aligned to that of the NHS.

We require reliable, enthusiastic and motivated Catering Assistants to join our bank to work within our hospital and community sites. In return you will can offer you:

1. Flexible hours; choose when and where you want to work
2. Competitive pay rates; including enhanced pay for unsociable hours
3. Paid annual leave
4. Pension scheme
5. A fast-track recruitment process if you move to a substantive role
6. Opportunities to work in different wards and departments, including community, dental and specialist services
7. Access to Services, such as those provided by our Staff Wellbeing Team
8. Ability to book your shifts from home using our online portal
9. Option to block-book shifts in a set period
10. SMS notifications of shift availability
11. Access to staff newsletters and bulletins
12. Eligible for various local and national discounts which are available to NHS staff
13. Free uniform, where applicable

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the closing date once the required number of suitable applications have been received.

Our catering assistants are responsible for the preparation of foodstuffs, general cleaning of equipment and areas within the Catering Department and preparation and service of food to patients on the ward or to patients, visitors and staff in the dining room.

The role is to support high standards of care to our patients. You will need to embrace our trust values, demonstrate excellent communication skills, and have a flexible approach to your work.

We particularly require bank Catering Assistants who can cover shifts in the following areas:

• Alnwick
• Berwick
• Blyth
• Hexham
• Cramlington (NSECH)
• Ashington
• North Tyneside

We have a variety of shifts across 7 days a week and there will be hours to suit all. We offer hourly pay enhancements for shifts covered at night and over the weekends. This equates to approx. £13.66 per hour on a Saturday or any weekday between the hours of 8pm and 6am, or £17.83 per hour on a Sunday or public holiday.

Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management (NHFM) covers a large geographical area, providing safe and high-quality care in both hospital and community settings. As such we need to be able to respond quickly to meet demands caused by an increase in patient activity, staff holidays or illness. This is where our staff bank plays a vital role, providing service support 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

There are many reasons why people join the staff bank, some to supplement earnings, or to work around commitments such as childcare or studying, while others may wish to develop their skills and work experience. So, if having the flexibility to pick and choose your hours is important, then this may be your opportunity. Bank workers are expected to work a minimum of 2 shifts per month but if you want to work more you can. To find out more about the benefits of working on the bank visit our website www.yournorthumbriacareer.co.uk/staff-bank.

Please note that it is a requirement of NHFM that all successful applicants pay for their own DBS certificate if a DBS check is required for the post. The method of payment is a salary deduction from your first monthly pay.

Responsibilities include:

• The receipt, checking for quality, temperature, correct quantity as per order to suppliers and the storage of such goods in the appropriate area within the time limits set out in the department policy on HACCP.
• To be able to demonstrate the ability to serve food to staff and to be able to check temperature levels and be aware of the Food Temperature Regulations.
• Operating the central dish wash machine, cleaning, drying and checking of the staff/ward crockery and cutlery.
• Preparation of vegetables, fruits and salads.
• Preparation and dispatch of meals.
• Service of food in ward areas.
• Service of food in the Dining Room and associated areas and preparation of sandwiches, hot snacks and beverages where applicable.
• The cleaning and re-stacking of vending machines.
• Operation of the Staff Dining Room cash register.
• Awareness of appropriate image/appearance to suit service needs.
• To be self-reliant.
• To be flexible in their working arrangements to cover for holidays and sickness and work all areas of the Catering Department when required.
• Cleaning of premises and equipment to the required standard.
• Ensures compliance with the Food Hygiene Policy and the Codes of Practice. Work in such a manner that does not contravene the Health and Safety procedures of the Hospital and the Hotel Services Department.
• Participate in training programmes relevant to efficiency, hygiene, fire drills, the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and other such courses as deemed necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
• This job description is not exhaustive but gives a broad indication of the main duties. It may be revised in the light of experience and changing circumstances in consultation with the post holder.