Bank Catering Food Service Assistant

Job responsibilities

Prepares breakfast, lunch and supper meals, together with 5 beverage rounds; conducting food box collections and regeneration of the food using either the Burlodge oven or microwave.

Liaises with the clinical team, specifically the Mealtime Coordinator and observes the dietetic data noted on the ward level Nutrition Boards.

Takes meal orders from patients in a courteous manner, with full knowledge of menu options with the ability to make recommendations. Utilises electronic or manual devices to record menu selections and encourage patients to make informed choices through the use of food photography.

Heats, plates and garnishes meals; in accordance with the dish requirements.

Takes and records temperature readings of the food prior to serving.

Notifies the clinical team when the meal service is about to commence, checks whether there are any additional dietary requirements since meal orders were taken.

Delivers meal trays to patients and clears them once the patient has finished; recording any food wastage before emptying it into the appropriate bin.

Notifies clinical team if there are high levels of waste from a particular patient, including untouched meals.

Completes the associated documentation to confirm the number of meals served.

Ensures all glassware and crockery are cleaned, stacked and put away in the cupboards.

Checks that all documentation relating to the patient catering service is readily available in both the patients bedside locker and also in the kitchen; obtaining replacement copies as and when necessary.

Cleans kitchen fittings, including sinks, microwaves/burlodges and fridges/ice machines; and removes any fluids present from surfaces, as dictated by local procedures.

Damp dusts all surfaces, including those at high level; cleans internal glass and removes finger marks e.g. on doors and surrounds; and damp mops hard surfaced flooring.

Maintains high standards of tidiness within their designated areas of responsibility.

Replaces all consumables; ensuring they are fully stocked at all times, including hand towels, hand soap, toilet rolls and waste sacks.

Empties and cleans waste bins, ensuring items are disposed of both safely and correctly in accordance with the waste and infection control policies.

Assists with the movement of stores and cleaning materials.

Carries out their duties in all areas of the Trust, including mental health wards, isolation rooms and barrier nursing areas, as and when dictated by local procedures.

Ensures specific work is completed to a satisfactory standard by undertaking routine and ad-hoc environmental quality audits within the scheduled area of work. Utilising performance monitoring systems, either electronic or manual to report areas of concern.

Utilises image of the service initiatives, ensuring high presentation and commercial standards are maintained at all times; adhering to SLAs and CQC/PLACE audits.

Contributes to the continuous improvement of the service, increasing client satisfaction and flexible working practices; prepared to offer support and cover on a cross-site basis if necessary.Please see the Job Description for the full duties of the role

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Will be required to successfully complete a patient food service induction programme
• Good command of the English language, including oral and written communication skills.
• Good numerical skills
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
• Experience of using IT systems including Microsoft Office packages.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Patient Led Assessment of the Care Environment (PLACE).
• Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Knowledge of manual handling procedures.
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures.

Previous Experience

Essential

• Proven experience of delivering an effective food services assistant role within a large and complex facilities services department
• Experience in customer services.

Desirable

• Experience of working within the healthcare profession or hotel/ restaurant
• An understanding of special diet requirements.

Skills/Knowledge/Ability

Essential

• Good knowledge of food hygiene techniques and procedures.
• Good customer service skills, with the ability to respond sensitively to patient queries; demonstrating empathy and compassion.
• A methodical and accurate approach to work activities and capable of following procedures and systematic processes.
• Ability to manage time, organise and prioritise work; whilst showing initiative when working on their own and as part of a team.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Ability and willingness to learn new skills and to attend training
• Good team member with the ability to communicate and engage effectively with all grades of staff, within a busy and challenging environment
• Committed and enthusiastic towards providing high service standards.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently
• Problem solving skills
• Willing to undertake further training as necessary

Desirable

• NHS Foundation Trust knowledge
• Allergens awareness.
• Data Protection Act 1998 knowledge.