Catering Assistant

We are looking for a caring, reliable and enthusiastic Catering Assistant to join our team in providing high-quality food services for our service users. You will play an important role in ensuring meals are prepared, served and presented to a high standard while maintaining excellent hygiene, health and safety practices.,

• Assist with the preparation and serving of meals and refreshments.
• Follow menus, recipes, guidelines and catering procedures.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness.
• Operate catering equipment safely and correctly.
• Support the kitchen team with food preparation and general kitchen duties.
• Ensure Health & Safety and Food Hygiene regulations are adhered to at all times.
• Respond professionally and courteously to residents, visitors and colleagues.
• Assist with washing up, cleaning and maintaining kitchen areas.
• Report any concerns or issues to the appropriate supervisor.
  
  Experience serving food within a large catering operation, such as a school, care home, factory or large restaurant.
• Experience of working directly with customers and dealing with people face-to-face.
Qualifications and Training
• Valid Food Hygiene qualification, or willingness to undertake training to obtain one.
Skills and Knowledge
• Basic food preparation & cooking skills.
• Knowledge of allergens & special diets.
• Ability to follow instructions, menus, recipes, guidelines and Codes of Practice.
• Ability to use general catering equipment safely and effectively.
• Understanding of Health & Safety and Food Hygiene procedures.
Personal Qualities
• Polite, courteous and friendly towards residents, visitors and colleagues.
• Caring, patient and understanding nature, particularly towards elderly people and those with additional support needs.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to undertake a variety of duties and work different hours when required.
• Willingness to complete further training and development.
• Ability to work under pressure and respond appropriately to customer needs or concerns.
• Able to work independently using own initiative.
• Reliable and committed to following policies and procedures.
• Capable of moderate physical activity, including lifting kitchen equipment and standing for extended periods.
  
  About Dudley Council
It's an incredibly exciting time to work in Dudley Council as we embark on numerous multi-million pound regeneration schemes which will be real game-changers for the borough. In addition to the exciting schemes such as the Midland Metro we also have the ongoing and very serious challenges of ensuring vulnerable people across the borough receive the services they deserve. At Dudley Council we have a 'one council' ethos that builds an effective and dynamic organisation which grows the economy and creates jobs, creating a cleaner and greener place and supports stronger and safer communities. We are rightly proud to be the historic capital of the Black Country and, working with our partners, Dudley Council is also committed to looking forward and helping to deliver our borough vision of 'Forge a Future for all' www.dudleyboroughvision2030.org.uk We ensure communities influence council decisions and are committed to delivering services in partnership with communities. We provide flexible and responsive service in partnership and help communities help themselves. In joining a local authority that serves 320,000 residents you will become an integral part of a council that:
• is ready to embrace change, providing an environment in which you will be encouraged to make your mark
• is aware of its key challenges and the need for a new energy to innovate the council, in order to find cost effective ways of delivering services
• has aligned its political and managerial leadership structures and is committed to protecting, securing and transforming the lives of children, families, the vulnerable and older people
• wants borough residents to have their say through our community forums
• dedicates time to meaningful consultation and listen to the views of our residents
• is working with the community to encourage active involvement of our residents
  
  Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
If you are passionate about providing excellent customer service and enjoy working in a caring environment, we would love to hear from you.