Job Introduction
You will act as a key member of the ward catering team in providing a high quality, safe, helpful and courteous beverage and meal service to meet the needs of patients. You will provide a high standard of service in accordance with the contract specification as directed by the line manager and ensure that all foods are produced and served in a safe and hygienic manner at all times.
Main Assignments of Role
1. Preparation, cooking and service of meals and beverages to patients. Direct service of food to patients, ensuring any special dietary requirements are met.
2. Ensure food is prepared to agreed standards.
3. Temperature probing and record keeping of food temperatures in accordance with HACCP for each meal service, prior to service to patients.
4. Collect, wash, refill and distribute patient water jugs and glasses.
5. Plate and assemble patient meals accurately on trays for presentation to patients.
6. Collection, cleaning and washing up of all trays, crockery and cutlery, utilizing the ward kitchen dishwasher.
7. Maintain ward kitchen hygiene and cleanliness. Cleaning of all appropriate kitchen equipment.
8. Ensure a prompt removal of packaging and food waste to designated areas.
9. Ensure stock control and rotation procedures are maintained. Checking expiry dates on food and disposing of any food exceeding use by date.
10. Provide and maintain a high standard of customer care at all times whilst on duty.
11. Engage in a ‘clean as you go’ practice to avoid a build-up of dirt and grease.
12. Be fully conversant with the correct operation and cleaning procedures of all equipment you may be required to use.
13. Follow all cleaning schedules as required.
14. Refer to COSHH data sheets where appropriate.
Additional General Responsibilities
1. Arrive in time for duty, adhering to Sodexo uniform requirements and clocking in prior to commencing your shift.
2. Wear your identity badge with a current photograph at all times.
3. While on duty, staff are to wear only Sodexo uniform and maintain your uniform in a clean and tidy state at all times.
4. Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene in accordance with company policy and the Food Safety Act at all times.
5. Provide guidance and advice to new team members or relief staff where necessary.
6. Complete paperwork relevant to the post, such as staff surveys and holiday request forms.
7. Workload will be determined by daily requirements, and post-holder may be required to use initiative in order to prioritise tasks and responsibilities.
8. Be aware of relevant deadlines within the unit and ensure all possible steps are taken to meet these deadlines.
9. May be required to work in other catering areas to assist with the cover of annual leave and sickness.
10. May be required to carry out reasonable additional duties connected to their employment, as directed by their supervisor or line manager.
11. This is not an exhaustive list of your duties as a Catering Assistant but is a broad overlay of your expected duties and responsibilities.
12. While assigned to a specific ward, you may be required to move to another area of the hospital where required.
Key Skills, Knowledge, Training & Experience
1. Good communication skills to enable communication with colleagues, patients and clients regarding on job duties and provision of catering services.
2. Ability to work as part of a team.
3. Good level of customer care.
4. Basic Food Hygiene Level 2 (desirable).
5. Experience of working in a catering environment (desirable).
6. Good understanding of health and safety and manual handling practices.
7. Ability to respond constructively and professionally to unpredictable situations.
8. Attend mandatory induction and health and safety related training and all other required training.
Physical Effort / Working Conditions
1. Manipulation and handling of meal service trolleys, meal service trays, and other equipment (i.e. ovens) for moving/transporting food or stock.
2. Working in areas of variations in temperature, high level of activity and noise, potentially hazardous underfoot conditions (i.e. slippage).
3. High level of continuous physical activity, i.e. walking, pushing trolleys, serving, cleaning, dish washing.
Emotional Effort
1. Be able to work under pressure in a busy environment.
2. Able to balance conflicting and changing priorities within a given time.
3. Dealing with expectations of patients, staff or visitors.
4. Able to respond to patient conflict or complaints in a professional manner, escalating or reporting incidents to your supervisor where appropriate.
Health and Safety
1. Observe all statutory Health and Safety and Food Hygiene / Allergen Regulations. Post holders are responsible for reporting any hazards that are encountered in the workplace.
2. Responsible for reporting to your supervisor any equipment which is in need of repair.
3. Take reasonable care for your own Health and Safety and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
4. Observe and apply all MFT / Sodexo Health and Safety protocols, i.e. use of personal protective equipment (PPE), carrying out the Three Checks for Safety prior to engaging in work tasks.
5. Co-operate with MFT in ensuring that statutory regulations, codes of practice, local policies and departmental health and safety rules are adhered to.
6. Report defects and faults in accordance with company procedures.
7. Report any accidents, near misses, incidents, failings in equipment or personal protective equipment.
8. Do not attempt to carry out tasks or repairs beyond your competence.
Infection Control
Infection Control is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non-clinical, are required to adhere to the Trusts’ Infection Prevention and Control Policies and make every effort to maintain high standards of infection control at all times thereby reducing the burden of Healthcare Associated Infections including MRSA.
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