Dining Assistant

Reports to: Head Chef / The Registered Manager

Job Overview

Note – In addition to these functions, employees are required to carry out such duties as may reasonably be required. Under the direction of the Catering Team to assist with meals for the residents. Assist in preparation and serving of all meals, in a timely manner. Liaise with care staff, residents and visitors in a polite and person-centred way. Together with the Catering Team, to ensure a high standard of food preparation is maintained and to implement the requirements as set out by the Food Safety Act 1990.

Location

The service’s premises, but you may be required to work from other locations at the discretion of the company and with appropriate notice.

Working Hours

Varying shift patterns as agreed with the manager.

Role-specific Duties

• To ensure a high-quality dining experience is provided for the people who use our service: the dining areas are kept clean and tidy, cutlery and cups are polished, cruets are clean and refilled, tables are appropriately laid to suit the menus of the day, the food and drinks menus are available throughout each meal and a calm and cheerful ambience is created that will enhance the dining experience for all those in our care.
• To assist in the serving and delivery of residents’ meals and beverages and assist them as necessary.
• To ensure a refreshments trolley is prepared and offered to residents and guests throughout the day.
• Maintain the hydration station well stocked.
• Prepare tea trolley and support residents during the tea rounds.
• Take daily food orders from residents and communicate to the cook/chef.
• Support residents during mealtimes, encourage food and fluid intake and record any refusals.
• Be responsible for any adaptive cutlery and crockery as directed by nurses or senior healthcare assistants.
• To ensure that daily records, where appropriate, are maintained of residents’ nutritional and fluid intake.
• Be present at handover meetings and any other meetings relevant to the role and share information with other colleagues as applicable.
• To ensure a good standard of hygiene and cleanliness is always maintained throughout the dining areas, including kitchenettes and cleaning schedules are completed as required.
• To ensure tablecloths and napkins are always clean, fresh and available with each meal.
• To ensure all equipment, utensils and condiments are clean, and well maintained.
• Maintain the required standard of presentation for food service, including serving trays used in the lounge, dining room, room service.
• Under the direction of the Catering Team, assist in tasks connected with the presentation of meals and beverages whilst ensuring the highest quality of service.
• Understand the specific diets identified as required by residents, and share any dietary concerns with the Head Chef.
• Be clean, hygienic and well presented at all times.
• Any incidents or accidents to be reported to the Head Chef, and appropriately recorded and actioned.
• Be responsible for promoting and protecting the welfare of those individuals supported by the service.
• To assist the Catering Team with a monitoring programme that will ensure wastage is kept to a minimum.
• To support residents into making different food choices when they dislike the meals offered or the variety available on the daily menu.
• Have good knowledge and understanding of specific dietary requirements of residents, including diabetic diet, modified textures (IDSSI).
• Responsible for person-centred meal service and identification of individual needs and preferences, allergies or intolerances.
• Ensure correct storage of food in refrigerators and freezers (labelling and shelving).

Working with Others

• Assist in the induction of new starters in accordance with the service’s policy.
• Develop effective working relationships with employees within the service.
• Inform shift lead or community lead of any absences from the designated area of work.
• Work with the Head Chef in a positive way, and be proactive in identifying duties that need to be completed.
• Liaise and communicate effectively with care staff to understand the dietary needs of people that use the service.
• Be polite and respectful in any communication with staff, residents or external visitors and offer refreshments as necessary.
• Ensure that visitors trays are prepared and presented according to approved standards and provide excellent customer service.

Leading by Example

Other duties and responsibilities to be undertaken may include any (or all) of the items in the following list:

• Seek opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• When interacting with residents, be person-centred, and promote respect and dignity.
• To attend supervisions and yearly appraisals as required.
• Always maintain a professional appearance and approach.
• Any incidents or accidents to be reported to the Head Chef or nurses in charge.

Personal and Professional Development:

• Attend statutory training and any other training as directed by management e.g. IDSSI, dining experience training.
• Take responsibility for your own professional development through performance and development reviews and undertake any relevant training.
• Understanding the health and safety requirements of the role.
• Maintain a good knowledge and understanding of all relevant policies and any reviews available internally or on the QCS platform.
• Understand and follow any relevant risk assessments.

Person Specification for Dining Room Assistant

• Ensure accurate, legible records are kept.
• Ensure compliance with both statutory and the service’s requirements on food hygiene, storage and temperature control.
• Manage waste effectively.
• Regularly seek feedback from people and communicate their views to the Head Chef.
• Good communication in English – verbal and written.
• Attend regular meetings to keep abreast of views and expectations.
• Being passionate about caring for others.
• Dedicated and committed to making a difference to others lives and work well in a team.
• Caring, friendly and empathic towards others, being positive and a passion to learn.
• Knowledge of health and safety and personal responsibility.
• Experience of working as part of a team and of delivering items to tight deadlines.
• Food Safety and Hygiene Level 2.
• Previous experience of working in a similar environment.
• Knowledge of texture modified diets.
• Experience of working with residents who have additional support needs.
• Experience of working with kitchen equipment and appliances and understanding the risks involved.