At a Glance
- Tasks: Support patient meal service and ensure food is delivered safely and on time.
- Company: Join a caring NHS team dedicated to patient wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, pension schemes, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career growth in healthcare.
- Why this job: Make a difference in patients' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and ability to work under pressure.
The predicted salary is between 25272 - 25272 € per year.
Responsibilities:
- Support the Patient Meal Service under appropriate supervision and in accordance with established policies, procedures and guidelines.
- Assist with the loading, transportation and delivery of meal trolleys throughout the hospital, ensuring food is served safely, at the correct temperature and on time.
- Prepare salads and fresh produce in line with food hygiene standards – washing, cutting, portioning and presenting as required.
- Work within the main kitchen wash‑up area, ensuring crockery, utensils and kitchen equipment are cleaned and sanitised to required standards.
- Provide food and beverage services across all ward areas, supporting patient meal delivery, refreshments and special dietary needs.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and infection control at all times in line with Trust policies and food safety legislation.
- Interact professionally and courteously with patients, visitors and staff.
- Serve and deliver all food and beverage requirements to patients on the wards, ensuring meals are provided in a timely, safe and courteous manner.
- Load, transport and return meal trolleys, ensuring correct handling, temperature control and food safety standards are maintained.
- Perform associated cleaning duties, including cleaning of trolleys, equipment, work areas and ward pantries in line with infection control and food hygiene policies.
- Cover the maternity ward as part of the role.
Working Pattern: 30 hours per week. Working 2 out of 3 weekends – hours are 10:30‑6:30 on wards or if in kitchen 8‑4pm and 12‑8pm.
Qualifications:
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently when required.
- Competence in working well under pressure within a fast‑paced environment.
- Consistent delivery of a high standard of customer care and a compassionate, patient‑focused service.
Benefits:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter.
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme.
Salary Band 2: £25,272 per annum pro rata. Frequency Annual. Contract Type Permanent.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
Catering Assistant in Exeter employer: Rdehospital
As a Catering Assistant within our esteemed NHS Trust, you will be part of a dedicated team that prioritises patient care and food safety in a supportive and compassionate environment. We offer excellent benefits including access to national discount services, an onsite nursery, and a generous NHS pension scheme, all while fostering a culture of teamwork and professional growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients while enjoying a rewarding career in a dynamic healthcare setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the hospital environment! Familiarise yourself with the layout and key areas where you'll be working. This will help you feel more confident during your interview and show that you're proactive.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be interacting with patients and staff, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and courteously. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed tasks under pressure. This will highlight your ability to maintain high standards in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly on our platform. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. We want to see how you can support our Patient Meal Service and maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since teamwork is key in this role, don’t forget to mention any previous experiences where you worked effectively as part of a team. We love seeing candidates who can collaborate well with others while also being able to work independently when needed.
Highlight Your Customer Care Skills:This position requires a compassionate, patient-focused service, so be sure to share examples of how you've delivered excellent customer care in the past. We’re looking for those who can interact professionally and courteously with patients and staff alike.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rdehospital
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Catering Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the meal service process, food hygiene standards, and the importance of patient interaction. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your organisational and communication skills during the interview. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team or handled pressure in a fast-paced environment. This will demonstrate that you can deliver high standards of customer care.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, like ensuring food safety or dealing with dietary needs. Think through these scenarios beforehand so you can provide clear, thoughtful responses that reflect your understanding of the job.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they maintain hygiene standards. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
