Catering Assistant

Job description

Summary

Reports to

  • Cook.

Duties

  • Support the preparation, cooking and serving of food.

  • Operate an efficient stock control system.

  • Ensure cleaning schedules are adhered to.

Requirements

  • Good english.

  • Can commute to Ashfield within an hour.

  • Proficient computer/written skills.

  • Problem solving skills.

  • Communications skills.

 Specific Requirements for application

* = essential requirements

    • * Good English.

      • Written & verbal.

    • * Can commute to Ashfield within an hour .

    • Approved elementary Food Hygiene certificate.

    • Flexible.

      • Must be able to work across a variety of shifts.

    • * Proficient computer/written skills.

      • To maintain all catering records and audits in accordance with our Home's policies to ensure standards compliance.

    • * Problem solving skills.

      • Adapt and address situations quickly.

      • Recognise and report situations where there might be a need for protection.

    • * Communication skills.

      • Build rapport with Residents by establishing personal connections and showing genuine interest in their lives.

      • Liaise appropriately with all visitors and callers to our Home.

    • Previous experience in a similar environment.

      • E.g. working in a home care.

    • Previous experience in a similar role.

    • Previous experience of working with people who have additional support needs.

      • E.g. elderly people with dementia.

Your Duties

    • Food Preparation Support: Assist the cook with basic food preparation tasks such as washing, peeling, and chopping ingredients.

    • Meal Service: Help serve meals and drinks to residents in dining areas or distribute meals to units where required.

    • Kitchen Cleaning: Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen, including washing dishes, cleaning surfaces, and ensuring equipment is hygienic.

    • Food Hygiene Compliance: Follow food safety and hygiene standards when handling food, storing ingredients, and preparing meals.

    • Stock Handling: Assist with receiving deliveries, storing food correctly, and monitoring stock rotation to ensure freshness.

    • Supporting Dietary Needs: Help ensure meals are prepared and served according to residents’ dietary requirements and preferences.

    • Maintaining Kitchen Organisation: Keep food preparation areas tidy and organised to support efficient kitchen operations.

    • Waste Management: Dispose of food waste and other kitchen waste safely and in line with care home procedures.

    • Assisting During Busy Periods: Support the cook and kitchen team during busy meal times to ensure meals are served promptly.

    • Record Keeping: Help maintain basic records such as temperature checks, cleaning schedules, and food safety documentation.

    • Assist with the induction of new starters in accordance with Ashfield Nursing Home’s policy.

    • Be polite and respectful in communication with staff, residents, or external visitors.

    • Develop effective working relationships with other employees within the service.

    • Work in cooperation with members of the multi-disciplinary teams to maximise opportunities for people in the service.

    • Promote the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of residents at all times. This includes maintaining an environment free from abuse, neglect, or harm.

    • Remain vigilant to any signs or indicators of abuse—whether physical, emotional, financial, sexual, or neglect.

    • Act in accordance with the organisation’s safeguarding policies and procedures. 

    • Be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of those individuals one supports.

    • Attend all statutory training, meetings and any others as directed by a manager.

    • Knowledge of, and work within, the Fundamental Standards.

    • Understand the regulatory framework that governs the service, including the role of CQC and their requirements.

    • Commit to achieving the relevant qualifications with the role.

    • Understand and follow all policies and procedures relevant to the role.

    • Understand and follow all relevant risk assessments.

    • Be open to learning opportunities.

Core Values

  • Organised

    • Be proactive instead of reactive. Be aware of when things start to run off the rails and help to get it back on track.

    • Contribute your ideas or concerns before it’s too late.

    • Question whether you need to involve your supervisor at that moment or whether you can put a temporary solution in place until you notify them at a better time.

    • Start making decisions within your space of responsibility. Build confidence and competence will follow.

  • Focussed

    • Understand the duties associated with your position.

    • Contribute your individual efforts towards our team goal.

    • If there’s something worrying you that isn’t effecting either of the above, find and notify the relevant person so they can be concerned about it. You can then return to your duties and goals.

  • Dedicated

    • Stay long term and commit to our purpose and contribute to our achievements.

    • If your current role isn’t right for you, talk to us and suggest how you still contribute to our cause elsewhere.

Our Core Values are vital and timeless guiding principles, that attract like-minded people. We also review, reward and recognise our employees based on these values.

Demonstrate the values and behaviours we expect from our team members regarding their daily interactions for/with residents, visitors, colleagues and other professionals.