Catering Assistant

Job Summary

To assist as required in all aspects of the catering function as designated, including duties in ward pantries, main production kitchen, and staff restaurant as required. A detailed job specification for each task/duty will be contained in the Catering Operations Manual appropriate to each functional area.

Main Responsibilities

The Catering Assistant will:

• Prepare and deliver a high quality standard of catering service to patients, service users, staff, visitors at ward level, restaurant, and at hospitality functions and meetings.
• Maintain the professional image of the catering function through good interpersonal skills with patients, visitors, and staff.
• Be at all times responsible for ensuring their duties and services are delivered in a safe and hygienic manner in line with Food Safety, Health & Safety, and HACCP legislation.
• Assist with counter service ensuring agreed portion controls and customer satisfaction.
• Carry out wash-up duties including in the CPU and at ward level.
• Maintain a high degree of operational cleanliness in accordance with Cleaning Schedules and Checklists, to include cleaning of equipment and area of responsibility as per HACCP cleaning schedules and checklists.
• Report for duty on time and at the designated place of duty as directed by Management.
• Take direction and guidance from Management in relation to all duties and human resources issues.
• Comply with uniform and health and safety policies.
• Comply with Human Resource Policies including, but not limited to, the Dignity at Work Policy and Sick Absence Policy.

Main Duties

The Catering Assistant will:

• Perform duties efficiently, effectively, economically, and hygienically in line with best practice and/or as directed by Management in the provision of a quality service at all times.
• Maintain a flexible approach to performance of cross-functional duties as service evolves on a daily basis.
• Strictly adhere to operational policies and procedures specific to the designated area of duty.
• Deal with patient, service user, staff, and visitor queries in a courteous, effective, and efficient manner.
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters pertaining to staff and service users.
• Prepare, deliver, and serve meals, snacks, and beverages to special functions or conference meetings.
• Deliver and collect equipment and food.
• Set and re-stock hot and cold counters, shelving units, refrigeration units, and tables/trays.
• Co-operate with nursing staff, Dieticians, Speech and Language Therapists, and other relevant staff to ensure dietary needs of service users and staff are met.
• Check meals at all service points throughout the site for quality, temperature, quantity, and presentation.
• Ensure that all meals within your responsibility are kept safe and free from any unauthorised interference and/or health hazards such as foreign objects.
• Be responsible for requisitioning food (daily meals and provisions) and cleaning materials for your designated units and ensuring correct stock levels are maintained.
• Be responsible for the receipt and safe storage of goods and foodstuffs when assigned and where appropriate.
• Adhere to and implement standards and procedures in relation to nutrition and hydration.
• Prepare and present catering services to patients, staff, and visitors.
• Strictly adhere to operational policies and procedures specific to the designated area of duty.
• Co-operate fully with the implementation of the principles of HACCP.
• Adhere to the Catering cleaning policy as defined by relevant personnel to ensure that the workplace is kept clean and safe.
• Deal with customer, staff, and patient queries in a courteous, effective, and efficient manner.
• Prepare, deliver, and serve meals, snacks, and beverages to patients and/or special functions or conference meetings.
• Deliver and collect equipment and food.
• Set and re-stock service counters, shelving units, refrigeration units, and tables/trays.
• Ensure that all meals within your responsibility are kept safe and free from contamination.
• Ensure that food distribution trolleys and storage units are held at appropriate temperatures in accordance with HACCP guidelines.
• Assist with the service of meals to patients and staff at the required time in accordance with Hospital and statutory standards.
• Assist the Chefs when required in the preparation of food for service when assigned to the kitchen and staff restaurant.
• Undertake training and development activities consistent with the position.
• Operate mechanical dishwashing equipment in all assigned areas.
• Operate cash registers (where appropriate) and comply with all security measures relating to same.
• Carry out other duties appropriate to the post as assigned by the Catering Manager or his/her deputies.
• Adhere to the prescribed dress code and wear all safety and hygiene clothing and equipment at all times when required to do so.
• Promote and foster positive staff relations.
• Actively participate in health and safety training programmes such as manual handling, fire safety, chemical handling, safe use of equipment, IPC, and smoking regulations.
• Co-operate with and assist in induction training programmes for new employees.
• Actively contribute, participate, and ensure compliance with the key areas identified in the following:

HYGIENE / FOOD SAFETY & MANAGING WASTE

The Catering Assistant will:

• Safeguard service users', staff, and visitors' health through compliance with Food Hygiene and Health & Safety legislation and Food Hygiene Regulations (Irish & EU).
• Co-operate fully with the implementation of the principles of HACCP.
• Adhere to the Catering cleaning policy as defined by relevant personnel to ensure that the workplace is kept clean and safe.
• Be aware of and exercise best practice in relation to personal and operational hygiene and cleaning duties.
• Adhere to the Dress Code Policy by wearing the correct uniform and safety shoes at all times and using designated PPE when carrying out specific tasks.
• Monitor and control food waste through correct ordering procedures and portion control.
• Adhere to local waste management policies through correct segregation of waste.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE AT WORK

The Catering Assistant will:

• Be aware of and familiar with the relevant Health & Safety procedures.
• Take all necessary steps to ensure the maximum security and safety of the working area and all equipment and supplies contained therein.
• Identify hazards, assess risks, and report same as per hospital policy to relevant personnel, and in accordance with individual responsibilities under all Health and Safety legislation and regulations.
• Take all necessary steps to ensure your own security and safety and the safety and security of your work colleagues and all other personnel.
• Adhere to all relevant policies.
• Wear appropriate protective clothing and protective footwear and use any safety equipment provided.
• Co-operate fully and participate in all health and safety training programmes.
• Practice correct stock rotation and storage of all food items.
• Report any faults in equipment as soon as they are noted to a manager and do not continue to use the equipment while it is broken.

Note: These duties are a reflection of the present service requirements and may be subject to review and amendment to meet the changing needs of the Hospital.

Eligibility CriteriaQualifications and/or Experience

Essential Experience:

• Have a minimum of 6 months' previous catering experience in a hospital or similar environment.
• Possess an ability to work as part of a team and keep in line with National Standards including IS 340:2007, HIQA, and Health & Safety.

Skills, Competencies and/or Knowledge

Essential Skills/Knowledge:

• Demonstrate an ability to provide an efficient and customer-focused service to clients.
• Have fluent English and excellent communication/interpersonal skills.
• Have the ability to prioritise tasks and work on own initiative.
• Have a flexible attitude and the ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.