Bank Band 2 Catering Assistant in Walsall

Site Bank Shifts Across BCHFT Sites Town Sandwell, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Walsall

Salary £24,465 per annum (pro rata) Salary period Yearly Closing 15/02/2026 23:59

Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is growing and changing. We provide specialist mental health, learning disability and community services across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton, and we’re hiring people who want to shape what comes next.

What we do:

• Adult and older adult mental health
• Children and young people’s mental health
• Specialist learning disability services
• Community healthcare for children, young people and families in Dudley

What it’s like to work here:

You’ll join friendly, skilled teams who look out for each other. We plan together, share caseload pressures, and celebrate wins. New starters get a warm welcome and clear induction; early careers colleagues have preceptorship and buddying; experienced staff can lead, teach and innovate. You’ll have space to do good work, speak up, and see the difference you make.

Who we are:

We’re 4,000+ colleagues from many backgrounds, committed to improving health and wellbeing for our communities and for each other. If you’re excited about the role but don’t tick every box, please apply. We value potential and transferable experience.

Job overview:

The role of the Catering Assistant is to work within the Trust Facilities Management structure to ensure that the Catering service delivers a high quality and safe service to patients, visitors, and staff.

Main duties of the job:

• The Catering Assistant will report to the Facilities Supervisor – Catering on each site.
• Critical to the success of the role is the delivery of a safe, efficient, and high‑quality service.
• Full compliance to Food Hygiene regulations and Trust Policy will be expected, with HACCP compliance and required training.
• The catering assistant will enhance the patient experience by ensuring that meals are provided in accordance with patient nutritional and social needs.
• Good communication between the ward and kitchen is essential.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

• To work as a member of the kitchen team ensuring a high standard of service to patients, staff and visitors paying particular attention to hand hygiene, temperature control and cross contamination.
• To assist in the preparation and serving of meals and associated tasks, taking into consideration portion control, presentation and temperature control for patients, staff, and visitors.
• To assist in the service delivery and preparation of special functions and hospitality.
• To operate tills and handle cash in accordance with recommended prices and comply with standing financial instructions.
• To operate machinery such as dishwasher ensuring all equipment/crockery and cutlery is cleaned at appropriate temperatures.
• To be aware of knife safety skills.
• To undertake cleaning of premises and equipment as requested throughout the dept.
• To assist in the receipt, rotation and storage of food and non‑food items taking into consideration BCPFT food hygiene policy and all health and safety policies.
• Immediately report any failure of equipment or failure to comply with food safety standards.
• To record and check temperature of fridges and freezers as directed by the Catering Team Leader.
• To clean and stock vending machines within the hospital site and report any damage or safety issues to the Catering Team Leader.
• To assist in the delivery of meals and supplies to wards.
• When serving in the café or restaurants ensure that counters are fully stocked.
• Be responsible for ensuring complaints are dealt with sensitively and in accordance with the Trusts standards.
• Responsible for upholding all Infection Prevention and Control measures as required within the Trust.
• Responsible for ensuring that all domestic consumables are always available in the kitchen.
• Responsible for undertaking ad hoc cleaning tasks as required by the Facilities Supervisor – Catering.
• Responsible for undertaking catering tasks as per the work schedule ensuring that all Food Hygiene and Health & Safety Legislation are adhered to.
• Responsible for ensuring there are always sufficient ward provisions and snack boxes.
• Support requests for special requirements for patients and communicate to the Facilities Supervisor – Catering or Site Facilities Co‑ordinator.
• To ensure the collection and removal of all goods and waste from the kitchen.
• Be compassionate to patient meal requirements showing patience and not rushing meal service delivery.

Person specification:

Experience:

• At least 6 months paid work experience as a Catering Assistant
• Experience in a mental setting

Applying and timelines:

We may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications, so please apply soon. We shortlist after the closing date and will contact shortlisted candidates usually within two weeks.

Pay and contracts:

Most NHS roles are paid under NHS Agenda for Change. With us – your starting point is set against the advertised band and your relevant NHS service, with progression through annual increments.

Standards and checks:

Clinical posts up to and including Band 4 are expected to hold the Care Certificate. If you don’t have it yet, we’ll support you to complete it in post.

We are an equal opportunities employer, offer flexible working, and are a smoke‑free Trust.