At a Glance
- Tasks: Support chefs in delivering top-notch meals and snacks for staff and visitors.
- Company: Join a leading NHS subsidiary focused on non-clinical services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a pension scheme, night shift allowances, and flexible bank work opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a difference by providing quality food service in a vibrant hospital environment.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate or working towards it; good literacy and numeracy skills.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 25000 £ per year.
CDDFT are one of the largest integrated care providers in England serving a population of around 650,000 people. Acute hospital services are provided at Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham, and Bishop Auckland Hospital is a centre for planned care. Community services are provided from six community hospitals alongside eight other community-based locations.
Synchronicity Care Limited (SCL) / CDD Services are a wholly owned subsidiary company of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT). SCL/CDD Services provides a range of non-clinical Estates, Facilities and Procurement services to CDDFT.
Main duties of the job
The Catering Assistant role is to support both regeneration chefs and other catering assistants in the provision of a highly professional catering service within the retail services at Darlington Memorial Hospital, both within the Retail restaurant and Coffee Shop. This role would be expected to follow the duties laid out by the Retail Service Supervisor/Manager in the day-to-day retail services to both staff and visitors and to ensure that a high quality and cost-effective service at all times in a courteous manner.
Job responsibilities
- To work under the direction of the Retail Services Supervisor/Manager and assist in the preparation of nutritious and appetising meals and snacks for staff and visitors, according to planned menu using specified recipes, methods and systems for cook chill catering to the highest possible standards in nutrition, temperature, quality, presentation, hygiene and safety and allergen regulations.
- To be involved in the preparation of all retail and buffet products, adhering strictly to standard recipes, methods and production planning.
- Ensure high standards of food quality from point of purchase to meal preparation, cooking and service, ensuring quality control process throughout.
- To operate the electronic tills and handle cash.
- To work within the coffee shop outlet after full training with the barista style machines.
- To assist in temperature monitoring and recording of all produced meals/foodstuffs and food storage equipment in accordance with standards as laid down in the Catering Departments Policies and Procedures and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).
- Assist with receipt, quality assurance and stock control of goods received into the retail stores. Correct storage and security of goods, adhering to stock rotation practices in accordance with HACCP.
- Assist in Hygiene Audits and Cleaning Schedules inspections for your area of work is completed weekly, liaising with the Retail Supervisor to ensure that any remedial work is carried out.
- To assist in the general cleaning of crockery and kitchen utensils using the dishwashing machine and by hand when required.
- To comply with cleaning schedules as specified.
- To display a high standard of personal hygiene.
Communication
Co-operating with other members of the Catering Team to maintain and improve the present high standard of food service, for staff and visitors. To deal effectively and courteously with colleagues, patients and staff throughout the organisation and members of the public and to deal with customer complaints and concerns with a high level of customer service and passing these onto your supervisor to deal with or for information.
Human Resource Management
- Attend all relevant training for specified role.
- Completion of Level 2 Food Safety before commencement.
- Attend staff appraisals and performance reviews, ensuring that you have input in your personal development plans to maximise your potential to meet the department and Trusts aims and objectives.
- To ensure that policies and procedures are followed and adhered to.
Person Specification
- Level 2 Certificate in Food Hygiene or working towards it.
- A good standard of literacy and numeracy.
- Able to work with minimal supervision following set procedures.
- Flexible approach to work and adaptable to change.
- Natural & enthusiastic staff member.
- Knowledge of catering sector.
- Effective interpersonal skills.
- Industry experience within catering services.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Retail Catering Assistant, DMH employer: CDDFT Charity
As a Retail Catering Assistant at Synchronicity Care Limited, you will be part of a dedicated team within the vibrant environment of Darlington Memorial Hospital, where your contributions directly enhance the dining experience for staff and visitors. The company fosters a supportive work culture with opportunities for personal development, including access to training and a pension scheme, while also offering competitive allowances for night and bank holiday shifts. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a role that values quality service and teamwork in a community-focused setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Catering Assistant, DMH
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at CDDFT Charity and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Catering Assistant, DMH
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at CDDFT Charity that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at CDDFT Charity.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at CDDFT Charity get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at CDDFT Charity
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at CDDFT Charity and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
