Support Services Assistant

Salary Scale:

Department of Health & Children consolidated pay scales (01/06/2026) apply per annum, pro rata:

Catering Assistant (4123): €36,407 - €44,087

This position is funded by the H.S.E. / Board of Directors.

For new entrants to the Health Service, the successful candidate's salary will be calculated strictly in accordance with the number of years of relevant and/or comparable experience.

For internal applicants or applicants currently employed within the Health Service, starting pay/pay on promotion will be governed by the Department of Health Circular No. 10/71.

Pension Scheme:

For HSE-funded contracts, there is mandatory enrolment in the appropriate Public Sector Pension Scheme.

The successful candidate will become a member of the Our Lady's Hospice & Care Services (OLH&CS) defined contribution pension scheme administered by Irish Life through Pension Consultants AON Hewitt.

As this post is not H.S.E. funded, this is not a Public Sector Pension Scheme.

If you are a member of an Irish Public Sector Pension Scheme, which is not the Single Public Service Pension Scheme (SPSPS), you should contact your current pension scheme administrators to ensure you are fully aware of the implications of leaving a public sector pension scheme for a period of 26 weeks or greater.

Holidays:

23 days per annum, pro rata.

Health:

A candidate for, and any person holding, the post must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the post and be in a state of health that would indicate a reasonable prospect of rendering regular and efficient service.

Before appointment, the successful candidate must undergo a pre-employment medical examination.

Character:

A candidate for, and any person holding, the office must be of good character.

Hours of Work:

39 hours per week.

Details of starting and finishing times, which may vary in accordance with Hospice needs, will be notified by the Head of Department/Deputy.

There will be occasions when work outside normal office hours is required.

Working Week:

Will be determined by the needs of the department.

Location:

This position is based in Harold's Cross.

Our Lady's Hospice & Care Services (OLH&CS) currently operates across three sites:

• Harold's Cross
• Blackrock
• Wicklow

In the interest of patient care and changing service needs, candidates must be fully flexible and may be required to carry out duties in any department or location of the Hospice or associated locations as directed by the Chief Executive Officer.

Ethical Code:

The post holder is expected to respect the special charism, ethos, and tradition of OLH&CS and comply with all organisational policies, procedures, and regulations.

Confidentiality:

The successful candidate will have access to confidential records and information during the course of their work.

Unless acting under the instruction of an authorised person, information concerning staff, patients, or Hospice business must not be disclosed except in the normal performance of duties.

Records must never be left where unauthorised persons can gain access and must always be kept securely when not in use.

Garda Vetting:

Legislation provides for Garda Vetting for candidates employed in areas of the Health Service where substantial access to children or vulnerable adults is involved.

The successful candidate will be required to satisfactorily complete the Garda Vetting process before an appointment is made.

Job Purpose

The Support Services Assistant (Catering and Cleaning) will carry out day-to-day duties within the Support Services Department of OLH&CS.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform duties efficiently, effectively, economically, and in line with best practice or as directed by the Support Services General Manager.
• Demonstrate best practice personal hygiene standards.
• Observe uniform protocol in accordance with organisational policy.
• Maintain strict timekeeping when starting work, finishing work, and taking breaks.
• Record incidents where required to assist in resolving concerns.
• Report all accidents and incidents to Management.
• Be aware of waste management policies and comply with them.
• Maintain flexibility in the performance of duties and assigned rosters.
• Adhere to Departmental and Hospice policies at all times.
• Perform any other duties appropriate to the post as assigned by the Support Services General Manager or another relevant supervisor or manager.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all information obtained during employment.

Catering Duties

• Cooperate fully with the implementation of HACCP principles.
• Follow all HACCP cleaning schedules in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Probe and record food temperatures as required.
• Report any deviations from HACCP records to the Line Manager.
• Assist with stock rotation.
• Prepare and label food in accordance with HACCP regulations.
• Assist with food preparation when required.
• Assist with hospitality functions when required.
• Carry out manual and mechanical washing of dishes, pots, and utensils to HACCP standards when required.
• Transport food safely and hygienically throughout the Hospice site as required.
• Assist with meal service in a professional and courteous manner.

Cleaning Duties

• Carry out environmental cleaning in accordance with recognised best practice, including HIQA Standards.
• Deliver cleaning services in accordance with National Hygiene Standards and HSE Regulations.
• Liaise with Clinical Nurse Managers, Infection Prevention CNS, and Heads of Departments to ensure cleaning procedures are integrated into work schedules, particularly in ward and clinical areas.
• Ensure high standards of hygiene are maintained using the approved recording system.
• Complete and sign cleaning schedules.
• Report unsafe conditions to the Line Manager and ensure safe working practices that comply with fire, health, and safety legislation.
• Ensure equipment is properly maintained.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the post as assigned by the General Support Services Manager or nominee.

Self-Development

• Take responsibility for personal professional development and safe work practices.
• Help maintain a safe environment for patients, colleagues, visitors, and themselves.
• Participate fully in all mandatory OLH&CS training programmes and any other relevant training.
• Participate actively in the staff performance management process.

General

• Maintain a working knowledge of, and comply with, OLH&CS policies at all times.
• Ensure confidentiality regarding all information obtained during employment.
• Present and conduct oneself professionally at all times and encourage colleagues to do the same.
• Keep up to date with developments in professional practice and other relevant matters to maintain knowledge and skills.
• Accept responsibility for personal professional development.
• Maintain a safe working environment in cooperation with the Hospice Management Team and in accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
• Report and document all accidents and near misses in accordance with policy.
• Provide cross-cover for other areas and undertake additional duties as required.
• Use information technology effectively and efficiently to support the role and integrate with Hospice systems.

The duties and responsibilities detailed above reflect the current service requirements and are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties.

The post holder may be required to perform other duties appropriate to the role and contribute to the ongoing development of the position.

This job description is subject to review in light of changing circumstances and should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the post holder will work.

Experience

• A minimum of 1 year's relevant experience working in the hospitality sector.
• Flexibility in working hours.