Catering Assistant

Purpose of the Post

• The provision of high-quality support services to all residents, staff and facilities provided by the hospital which includes catering, and cleaning duties, in line with hospital and national infection control policies, cleaning standards, HACCP and Environmental Health Office regulations.

• Support the provision of a high quality, safe and professional customer focussed service as required within Letterkenny Community Hospital.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• The person holding this post is required to support the principle that the care of the patient always comes first and will approach their work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree

• Maintain throughout the Group’s awareness of the primacy of the resident in relation to all hospital activities

• To work as part of a team in the food preparation and service of meals

• To organise and serve meals to the residents & staff in Letterkenny Community Hospital.

• To assistant in preparation of residents and staff meals

• Adhere to Food Safety ( HACCP & EHO), HIQA and HSE regulations

• To complete records ( e.g. Temperature records, checklists etc) in compliance with Food Safety Regulations

• To ensure proper rotation of stock and to ensure food is stored in accordance with Food Safety Regulations

• To be aware of Statutory Occupational Health & Safety Legislation under the Safety, Health & Welfare Act.

• Ensure efficient and economical use of materials and equipment

• Ensure proper use of cleaning materials and equipment and reporting any defects for repair to the manager on duty

• To work as part of a team and be responsible for the general cleaning and hygiene standards of the service/catering area as per cleaning specification and schedules

• Ensure appropriate quality standards and protocols are completed

• To operate a cash register as required

• To be aware of and comply with policies, directives, guidelines and recommendations from statutory bodies in relation to Health & Safety, Manual Handling, Infection Control, Environmental Health, HACCP, HIQA and Waste Management.

• To observe the hospitals policies and procedures on discretion and confidentiality relating to residents and/or their families

• To present for work in full and proper clean uniform at rostered time

• To demonstrate a friendly and co-operative attitude towards visitors/relatives/staff

• Rotate with roster duties when required

• To undertake all training & retraining as requested by Hospital Management and to keep up to date with new methods of food handling, service and cleaning methods in compliance with Infection Control Standards.

• To be fully aware & comply with policies, in relation to fire outbreaks, Major Emergency Plan, or other emergencies and participate in emergency response to same.

• Participate in the induction of new staff as required

• To take all necessary steps to ensure the maximum security in the Department (locking doors, windows) in your area of assignment and all equipment and supplies therein.

• The Catering Service operates over 7 days per week, working hours will / can include: Evening duty, Weekend Work, Unsocial Hours and Shift work.

• To participate in Performance management programme are part of your role

General

• Comply with all uniform and hygiene requirements – including appropriate cleaning and catering attire required to comply with infection control, EHO and HACCP regulations.

• This post may be subject to restructuring in the future to facilitate the reorganisation of services in line with the needs of the service.

• The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the job description may be reviewed.

• Carry out their daily duties regarding patient’s dignity and privacy, in line with HIQA Standards for Better Safer Healthcare.

• The post holder is expected to carry out his / her duties with compassion, respect and consideration for both residents and other staff.

• Be accountable for the provision of your work and perform in a manner that is efficient, effective and of the highest standard.

• The uniform prescribed must be worn at all times and other protective clothing, footwear, gloves etc., must be utilised as required by Hospital Uniform Policy and as appropriate to area of service.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING GENERAL CONDITIONS:

• Employees must attend fire lectures periodically and must observe fire orders.

• All accidents within the Department must be reported immediately.

• Infection Control Policies must be adhered to.

• In line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 all staff must comply with all safety regulations and audits.

• In line with the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004, smoking within the Hospital Buildings and grounds is not permitted.

• Hospital uniform code must be adhered to.

• Provide information that meets the need of Senior Management.

• To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

• To render efficient and productive service by way of regular and uninterrupted attendance at work

Risk Management, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety

• The management of Risk, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment.

• The post holder must be familiar with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility.

• The post holder has a duty to familiarise themselves with the relevant Organisational Policies, Procedures & Standards and attend training as appropriate in the following areas:

• Continuous Quality Improvement Initiatives

• Document Control Information Management Systems

• Risk Management Strategy and Policies

• Hygiene Related Policies, Procedures and Standards

• Food Safety and Management related Policies, Procedures and Standards

• Decontamination Code of Practice

• Infection Control Policies

• Safety Statement, Health & Safety Policies and Fire Procedure

• Data Protection and confidentiality Policies

• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they become familiar with the requirements stated within the Risk Management Strategy and that they comply with the Group’s Risk Management Incident/Near miss reporting Policies and Procedures.

• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they comply with hygiene services requirements in your area of responsibility. Hygiene Services incorporates environment and facilities, hand hygiene, catering, cleaning, the management of laundry, waste, sharps and equipment.

• The post holder must foster and support a quality improvement culture through-out your area of responsibility in relation to hygiene services.

• The post holders’ responsibility for Quality & Risk Management, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety will be clarified to you in the induction process and by your line manager.

• The post holder must take reasonable care for his or her own actions and the effect that these may have upon the safety of others.

• The post holder must cooperate with management, attend Health & Safety related training and not undertake any task for which they have not been authorised and adequately trained.

• The post holder is required to bring to the attention of a responsible person any perceived shortcoming in our safety arrangements or any defects in work equipment.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the Service

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc

Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition

(i) Have 2nd level education to Junior Certificate Level at a minimum

(or equivalent)

AND

(ii) Have at least two year’s relevant experience working in a catering environment.

.

2. Health

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of

undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate

a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3. Character

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character

Post Specific Requirements • Be fluent in the English language

• Demonstrate depth and breadth of knowledge as relevant to the role of Catering Assistant

• Flexibility regards working hours to meet the demands of the service

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following:

Professional Knowledge & Experience

• Demonstrate knowledge of Food safety Standards.

• Demonstrate a commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a patient centred service.

• Demonstrate knowledge to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.

• Demonstrate knowledge around healthcare Catering Service.

• Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge to best practice.

• Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development

• Demonstrate evidence of knowledge of Infection Prevention & Control, HIQA standards and the requirements in this role to adhere to same.

Teamwork

• Demonstrate ability to work as part of a team.

• Demonstrate motivation and an innovative approach to job.

• Demonstrate ability to present a neat and tidy appearance.

• Demonstrate ability to carry out instructions and appreciate the importance of providing quality care to patients.

Planning and Organising

• Demonstrate evidence of ability to plan work effectively and efficiently.

• Demonstrate flexible approach to working hours, rostering, e.g. unsocial hours/shift work, night duty, on call, attitude to work.

• Demonstrate ability to work on own initiative.

• Demonstrate ability to work under pressure.

Quality & Patient/Customer Focus

• Demonstrate a focus on quality.

• Demonstrate evidence of ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect.

• Demonstrate motivation to fulfil the role and contribute to improving the service.

• Demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrate effective communication skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.

• Demonstrate ability to communicate with colleagues in a professional and respectful manner.

• Demonstrate ability to communicate with residents in a compassionate, respectful and dignified manner.

• Possess a competent level of spoken and written English to compile HACCP and other documents.

• Demonstrate ability to listen openly, using questions to check understanding/avoid misinterpretation.

• Demonstrates excellent communication skills, including sufficient command of the English language to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities.

Campaign Specific Selection Process

Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore, it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.

Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.

Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

The HSE is an equal opportunities employer.

Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. The HSE believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success – we aim to develop the workforce of the HSE so that it reflects the diversity of HSE service users and to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives. Ultimately this will result in improved service user and employee experience.

The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential. The HSE aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice, bias and discrimination are not tolerated.

The HSE welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and offers a range of supports and resources to staff, such as those who require a reasonable accommodation at work because of a disability or long-term health condition.

For further information on the HSE commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, please visit the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion web page at

https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/diversity/

Code of Practice The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commissioners for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a principle basis. The Codes also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, feedback facilitates for applicants on matters relating to their application when requested, and outlines procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process and review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice. Additional information on the HSE’s review process is available in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, information for candidates.

Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, information for candidates or on www.cpsa.ie.

Tenure

There will be both fulltime and reduced hour posts available

This post is pensionable. A panel will be formed from this recruitment campaign and future permanent or specified purpose vacancies will be filled from this panel. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at ‘expression of interest’ stage.

Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointment) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.

Remuneration

The Salary Scale for the post as at 01/06/2026:

€36,407 - €38,288 - €39,418 - €40,192 - €40,863 - €41,729 - €42,258 - €43,160 - €44,087

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies

Working Week

The standard working week applying to the post is 39 hours per week, however some posts at less than 39 hours are available

HSE Circular 003-2009 “Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016” applies. Under the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16th, 2008 will be required to work agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line manager. Contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016).

Annual Leave The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at contracting stage

Superannuation

This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme. Pension scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment. Members of pre-existing pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those which they were entitled to at 31st December 2004.

Age The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.

* Public Servants not affected by this legislation:

Public servants joining the public service or re-joining the public service with a 26 week break in service, between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.

Public servants, joining the public service or re-joining the public service after a 26 week break, after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.

Probation Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.

Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 The welfare and protection of children is the responsibility of all HSE staff. You must be aware of and understand your specific responsibilities under the Children First Act 2015, the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 in accordance with Section 2, Children First National Guidance and other relevant child safeguarding legislation and policies.

Some staff have additional responsibilities such as Line Managers, Designated Officers and Mandated Persons. You should check if you are a Designated Officer and / or a Mandated Person and be familiar with the related roles and legal responsibilities.