Catering Assistant

NHS; Darlington; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job description

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and committed individual to influence and contribute as part of the award-winning Catering Services team at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

We are looking for enthusiastic, reliable, and self-motivated people to become a part of our team for the safe production of over 17,000 meals per week within a Central Production Unit (CPU).

Successful applicants will be expected to display their ability to operate in a very busy environment whilst displaying impeccable hygiene standards, knowledge, and practices.

The successful applicant will have:

1. A good knowledge of catering practices and procedures which may have been gained in a similar hospital environment or in the catering private sector.
2. Sound knowledge of food hygiene regulations.
3. Good knowledge of ingredient recipes and associated allergens will also be essential.
4. Level 2 Certificate in Food Hygiene.

The work pattern is predominantly Monday to Friday between the hours of 7 am to 3 pm, occasionally Sunday.

Main duties of the job

1. To work under the direction of the Food Production Supervisors to assist with the preparation and cooking of nutritious and appetizing meals according to planned menus, using specified recipes, methods, and systems for cook chill.
2. Ensure high standards of food quality from point of purchase to meal preparation, cooking, and service, ensuring quality control processes throughout.
3. To ensure temperature monitoring and recording of all produced meals/foodstuffs and food storage equipment in accordance with standards as laid down in the Catering Department's Policies and Procedures and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).
4. To assist and comply in the general cleaning of premises/equipment in accordance with agreed cleaning schedules as specified.
5. To display a high standard of personal hygiene.

About us

CDD Services / SCL is a wholly owned subsidiary of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) set up to deliver a range of non-clinical services. The company is a separate legal body to CDDFT.

CDD Services offers its own Terms and Conditions of employment which differ from the national NHS Terms and Conditions. As an employee in the company, you will benefit from:

• Excellent Performance Related Bonus Scheme
• Access to a pension scheme - National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) CDD Services will pay a 3% contribution (this is over and above the minimum contribution rate at the present time)
• Night Shift Working Allowances (where appropriate)
• Bank Holiday Working Allowances (where appropriate)

Bank work is offered on an 'as and when' basis with no guaranteed hours and will be paid on a pro-rata hourly rate for hours worked only.

Job responsibilities

1. To support and assist the Food Production Supervisor and Food Production Manager in the production of high-quality meals at Darlington Memorial Hospital and to ensure that high-quality standards are met at all times.
2. Comply with HACCP procedures set within the Catering Department.
3. To follow the policies and procedures laid down by the catering services in the day-to-day operational management of food production and to ensure a high-quality and cost-effective service.
4. To ensure that food safety and allergen regulations are adhered to at all times.
5. Co-operating with other members of the CPU Catering Team to maintain and improve the present high standard of catering service, for staff, visitors, and external contracts.
6. To deal effectively and courteously with colleagues, patients, and staff throughout the organization and members of the public and to deal with customer complaints and concerns with a high level of customer service and passing these onto your supervisor to deal with or for information.
7. Initially deal with any complaints/comments regarding the service in a courteous manner from Trust staff or patients.
8. Work in a safe manner so that no other persons are put at risk whilst completing the required duties.

Person Specification

Experience

• Experience of working within a kitchen environment (E)
• Cook Chill Experience (D)

Qualifications

• Level 2 Certificate in Food Hygiene (E)
• Basic English and maths (E)
• A good standard of literacy and numeracy (E)
• COSHH (D)
• Health and safety (D)

Special Requirements

• Ability to work shifts and weekends and have flexibility to needs of the service (E)
• Health and safety (D)

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Natural & enthusiastic staff member (E)
• Ability to follow clear instructions and feedback to senior staff (E)
• Committed to quality customer care/delivering excellent customer service (E)
• Effective interpersonal skills (E)
• Able to work with minimal supervision following set procedures (E)
• Flexible approach to work and adaptable to change (E)
• Good manual dexterity, physical fitness (E)
• Good timekeeping (E)
• Basic numeracy (E)
• Knowledge of food safety and allergen regulations (E)
• Basic keyboard skills (D)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.