This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn
Specialist Eating Disorder In-patient Unit
St Georges Hospital, Stafford
Ward Catering Assistant
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our Catering Team here on the Kinver Centre. The Kinver Centre is a specialist in-patient unit which treats people suffering from Anorexia Nervosa and who therefore find eating exceedingly difficult.
The role of the Ward Catering Assistant is to help prepare and cook the individualised meals prescribed by our Dietitians.
You must be able to work under pressure, have an eye for detail and a caring, non-judgmental approach towards people.
We offer excellent training facilities i.e. NVQ levels 2/3 in customer and care and food hygiene courses.
JOB PURPOSE:
To work as part of the multidisciplinary team, specifically working closely with Dietitians, Occupational Therapists and Nursing Team to prepare, cook and serve individual meals to this client group.
Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.
We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.
We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.
We are ‘United in our Uniqueness’ and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.
Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.
Key Responsibilities
- To ensure all menus are completed and choices made from each section of the menu.
- To cook and present individual meals and snacks to patients at designated times as per dietitian’s assessment / unit guidelines including:
- Preparation of food – to agreed standards including food hygiene regulations.
- To be involved with dietitian & nursing team in regularly reviewing and adapting patient menus
- Food service
- Ensuring food delivered is of acceptable quality ie fresh salad, bread, milk etc
- To ensure that all eating areas are suitably prepared for mealtimes, including serving trolley (as per unit guidelines).
- To present appetising and appealing meals while ensuring quantities are as stated by the dietitian.
- To maintain a clean kitchen and dining room.
- To ensure that adequate stock / supplies are available for mealtimes / snacks (as per patient / staff requirement).
- To monitor stock levels of all food stuffs ie dried / perishable, frozen.
- To order stocks as appropriate.
- To ensure high standards of food hygiene are maintained at all times.
- To monitor and record fridge / freezer temperature.
- To monitor and record food temperature.
- To ensure kitchen environment is kept clean and tidy.
- To ensure dining room is cleared at end of each meal that all unused food is removed and stored or disposed of accordingly and that the dining room is left clean and tidy for next meal.
- To ensure safe storage of food as detailed in Health and Safety Policy.
- Receive support and supervision on regular basis from identified members of the Eating Disorders Team.
- To have regular contact with patients on the unit including:
- Discussing new choices, obtaining views on catering service with dietitian.
- Maintain patient boundaries (as per protocol).
- To work as part of multidisciplinary team.
- To be non-judgmental and treat patients with respect.
- Report to Ward Manager any specific issues relating to patient contact.
- Maintain documentation ie menus, recipes as per standards.
- To undertake training as agreed with Ward Manager and Senior Hotel Services Manager.
- To undertake any other duties as required by the Ward Manager.
It is expected that you will cover periods of absence for the other Ward Caterers on the unit.
