At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve meals while ensuring a clean and safe kitchen environment.
- Company: Join an outstanding care home dedicated to compassionate service.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, wellbeing support, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Basic Food Hygiene certificate preferred; experience in care homes is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 26700 - 28000 £ per year.
We are seeking a compassionate and reliable Food Services Assistant to support the preparation and service of meals and beverages for our residents. The role includes maintaining high standards of kitchen cleanliness and equipment hygiene, while delivering prompt, courteous, and person-centred service to our residents at all times.
What you'll do:
- Preparing and serving meals safely and accurately – supporting food preparation, serving correct portions at set times, and ensuring food is presented attractively while meeting residents’ individual needs.
- Strict compliance with food safety and health regulations – consistently adhering to Food Hygiene, Health & Safety, and COSHH requirements to protect residents, staff, and visitors.
- Maintaining high standards of kitchen cleanliness – cleaning kitchens, equipment, crockery, and dining areas in line with cleaning schedules, and promptly reporting any equipment faults.
- Responding sensitively to residents’ needs – listening to residents respectfully, reporting complaints or concerns, and alerting senior staff to any issues such as difficulty eating or refusal of meals.
- Working effectively as part of a team under time pressures – following instructions accurately, meeting service deadlines, supporting colleagues, and attending required training to deliver excellent customer service.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Basic Food Hygiene certificate or willingness to undertake the same.
- NVQ level 2 is desirable.
- Experience in a care home is desirable.
- In good general health, physically and mentally fit to meet the requirements of the role.
Benefits:
- Enhanced pay for family leave.
- Overtime and bank holiday enhancements to pay.
- Occupational sick pay after probation.
- Wellbeing support through various initiatives including an employee assistance programme with free counselling and Mental Health First Aiders.
- Opportunity to earn rewards via Care Friends (refer a friend scheme) which you can cash in when you choose.
- Free Blue Light card – provides members with thousands of amazing retail discounts.
- Long service awards.
- Subsidised meals while on duty.
- Apprenticeships, continuous learning and development, professional development and study support opportunities.
Safeguarding: In the process of recruitment, selection and appointment, Elizabeth Finn Homes implement a range of procedures and actions including Police/Enhanced DBS Checks to ensure our employees, residents and everyone is safeguarded, and abuse is prevented.
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging: Elizabeth Finn strives to treat all staff equally and be a diverse and inclusive workplace, where everyone can be themselves and everyone accepts each other’s differences.
Food Service Assistant - The Lodge in Exeter employer: Elizabeth Finn Homes Limited
At The Cotswold Home, we pride ourselves on being an outstanding employer that values compassion and dedication in the care sector. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering continuous learning opportunities and a range of benefits including enhanced pay for family leave and wellbeing support. Located in the picturesque area of Burford, our team enjoys a rewarding environment where they can truly make a difference in the lives of our residents.
Contact Details:
Elizabeth Finn Homes Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Service Assistant - The Lodge in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the care home! Before your interview, take a moment to research The Lodge. Understanding their values and what makes them outstanding will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a Food Service Assistant, you'll be interacting with residents daily. Think of examples where you've provided excellent service or handled difficult situations, and be ready to share those during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so make sure you look smart and professional for your interview. It shows respect for the role and the people you'll be working with.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows that you're keen to join our team at The Lodge.
We think you need these skills to ace Food Service Assistant - The Lodge in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Care:When writing your application, let your passion for caring for others shine through. We want to see how you connect with the role of a Food Service Assistant and how you can make a difference in our residents' lives.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've got experience in food service or care homes, make sure to mention it! We love seeing how your background aligns with what we do at The Lodge, so don’t hold back on those details.
Be Person-Centred:Remember, this role is all about our residents. Use your application to demonstrate how you would respond to their needs and preferences. Show us that you understand the importance of person-centred service!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elizabeth Finn Homes Limited
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Food Service Assistant. Familiarise yourself with food safety regulations and the importance of maintaining kitchen cleanliness. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
Since this role involves working closely with residents, it's crucial to demonstrate your compassionate side. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy or provided excellent customer service. This will highlight your suitability for a person-centred approach.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they ensure high standards of service. This shows that you're engaged and serious about finding the right fit for both you and the care home.
✨Practice Teamwork Scenarios
As teamwork is essential in this role, think of situations where you've successfully worked as part of a team under pressure. Be ready to discuss how you handle challenges and support your colleagues, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
