Catering Assistant

Permanent/Specified Catering Assistant (Domestic)

Location: On site / Foxrock

Job type: Fixed term / Full-time

Annual Salary range: €36,407.00 to €44,087.00

Location of Post

Leopardstown Park Hospital

About the Service

Leopardstown Park Hospital is a registered centre providing services to older people, including day services and long-term care. Situated in South Co. Dublin, the facility was established in 1917 and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering interdisciplinary services. It is currently registered for 120 long-stay beds.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing and presenting catering services to service users, staff and visitors.
• Be aware of accountability and responsibility for the highest quality in the delivery of catering services and act accordingly in respect of Food Hygiene and Health & Safety current legislation i.e. HACCP.
• Service of meals, counter service, ensuring agreed portion controls and customer satisfaction.
• Assist with special functions.
• Dishwashing and pot washing.
• Cleaning of equipment and area of responsibility as per HACCP cleaning schedules and checklists.
• Report for duty on time and at the designated place of duty as prescribed by Management.
• Take direction and guidance from Management in relation to all duties and human resources issues at all times.
• Facilitate and encourage good industrial relations at all times.
• Comply with uniform, sick leave, health and safety policies.
• Perform duties efficiently, effectively, economically and hygienically in line with best practice and/or as directed by Management in the provision of a quality service at all times.
• Maintain a flexible approach to performance of duties.
• Strictly adhere to operational policies and procedures specific to designated area of duty.
• Deal with service user, staff and visitor queries in a courteous, effective and efficient manner.
• Maintain confidentiality of all matters pertaining to staff and service users.
• Prepare, deliver and serve meals, snacks and beverages to special functions or conference meetings.
• Deliver and collect equipment and food.
• Set and re stock hot and cold counters, shelving units, refrigeration units and tables/trays.
• Co operate with nursing staff, health promotion coordinator, dietician and other relevant staff to ensure dietary needs of service users and staff are met.
• Check meals at all service points throughout the site for quality, temperature, quantity and presentation.
• Ensure that all meals within your responsibility are kept safe and free from any unauthorized interference and/or health hazards such as foreign objects.
• Assist with the compilation, plating and service of meals to service users and staff at the required time in accordance with statutory standards.
• Be responsible for the receipt of goods and foodstuffs when assigned and where appropriate.
• Interact with residents and attend social events.
• Check ward kitchenettes for cleanliness.
• Safeguard public health, through compliance with Food Hygiene and Health and Safety legislation, Food Hygiene Regulations (Irish & E.U.).
• Co operate fully with the implementation of the principles of HACCP.
• Adhere to the Catering cleaning policy as defined by relevant personnel to ensure that workplace is kept clean and safe.
• To be aware of and exercise best practice in relation to personal hygiene and cleaning duties.
• Adhere to the prescribed dress code and wear all safety and hygiene clothing and PPE equipment as prescribed at all times when required to do so.
• Adhere to and implement standards and procedures in relation to nutrition and hydration.
• Take all necessary steps to ensure the maximum security and safety of the working area and all equipment and supplies contained therein.
• Identify hazards, assess risks and report the same as per hospital policy to relevant personnel, and in accordance with all Health and Safety legislation and regulations.
• Take all necessary steps to ensure your own security and safety and the safety and security of your work colleagues and all other personnel.
• Wear appropriate protective clothing and footwear and use any safety equipment provided.
• Co operate fully and participate with/in all health and safety training programmes.
• Practice correct stock rotation practice and storage of all food items.
• Actively participate and co operate fully with all training programmes.
• Co operate and aid with induction training programmes for new employees.
• Comply with and adhere to all policies and procedures.

Training and Development

The Catering Assistant will actively participate and co operate fully with all training programmes, including induction for new employees.

Eligibility Criteria

• Completed second level education to Junior Certificate standard (Level 3 on the Quality & Qualifications Ireland Framework) or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year working in the catering industry with experience catering for large numbers in a busy environment.
• Personal competence and capacity to properly discharge the duties of the role.
• Fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and in a state of health indicating a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
• Of good character.

Skills, Competencies and Knowledge

• Professional Knowledge - Demonstrate sufficient knowledge to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the post; understanding of Food Hygiene Regulations, Health & Safety and catering in a healthcare environment.
• Planning & Organising Skills - Demonstrate effective planning and organising skills; understanding of value for money; organized, methodical and structured approach; ability to meet deadlines and handle multiple tasks; experience working under pressure.
• Team Skills - Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, making positive contributions.
• Commitment to a Quality Service - Demonstrate a commitment to providing a quality service, awareness of service users, motivation and an innovative approach.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making - Evaluate information, solve problems and make decisions timely.
• Communication / Interpersonal Skills - Effective communication skills, presenting information clearly, written and verbal; ability to receive and implement instructions effectively.

Benefits

Full time post with pensionable status. Standard working week of 39 hours and 23 days annual leave. Pension scheme membership on appointment.