Kitchen Assistant

Job Introduction

Kitchen Assistant – Permanent

Hours: 16 hours per week; 10.15 – 13.30, Monday – Friday; however, some flexibility will be needed depending on service needs

Salary: £12.21

Location: Harborne, Birmingham

Start Date: ASAP

Although this role is primarily a catering role, the successful candidate will also be required to provide support to the housekeeping team during busy periods or staff absences. This includes assisting with general housekeeping duties to ensure the smooth and effective operation of the facilities at Focus Birmingham

Housekeeping Support Hours: 15:15 – 18:30

Focus Birmingham is a local charity dedicated to empowering individuals with Visual Impairments and Complex Needs to live full and independent lives. Our values driven approach places inclusion, person centered care, and community engagement at the heart of everything we do. Through a range of tailored services, we support people to thrive, connect and reach their full potential.

As a Catering Assistant, you will support the catering team in the preparation and delivery of high-quality food for the people we support and our staff. Your main duties will include assisting with food preparation, setting up serving stations, serving meals, and maintaining the cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen and serving areas. You will be dedicated to supporting all aspects of meal preparation to ensure we provide delicious and wholesome food within our day centre setting.

Days: Monday to Friday

Hours: Approximately 10:15am – 13:30pm

Please note: Shift patterns may vary depending on service needs.

Primary responsibility for the safe and effective operation of the facilities at Focus Birmingham with the following key areas of responsibility:

Health and Safety

Food quality service

Safe Working practice

Service Delivery & Customer Service

Service Delivery & Customer Service

• Assist in the preparation, cooking, and serving of food and beverages in line with dietary requirements and individual preferences.
• Ensure meals are served accurately according to the daily pre-order system and the specific needs of the people we support.
• Set up serving stations with utensils, plates, napkins, and other equipment to ensure smooth and efficient service.
• Maintain a professional and welcoming "front of house" manner at all times.
• Ensure all crockery, cutlery, and equipment are cleaned, sanitised, and stored appropriately.
• Clean and maintain work areas throughout the shift, ensuring all hygiene and safety standards are consistently met.
• Report any mechanical, equipment, or safety defects to your Line Manager promptly.
• Complete daily, weekly, and monthly checks in a timely manner and log information accurately.
• Provide excellent customer service, ensuring the people we support are treated with respect, dignity, and sensitivity.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by line management.
• Assist in monitoring stock levels and alert the Line Manager when supplies need replenishing.
• Support the catering team in menu preparation and portion control where required.
• Help ensure waste is minimised through correct portioning, storage, and recycling practices.
• Participate in team meetings, contributing ideas to improve service quality.
• Assist in promoting a positive mealtime experience that supports independence and wellbeing for the people we support.

Food Quality, Safety & Working Practices

• Receive and check food deliveries, ensuring quality and temperature standards are met.
• Verify goods received against delivery notes and report discrepancies to your Line Manager.
• Store all food items safely, following correct procedures, checking expiry dates, and adhering to FIFO (First In, First Out) principles.
• Regenerate meals in accordance with instructions and record all traceability information following company policies and legal requirements.
• Maintain clean and organised kitchen and service areas to minimise accidents, contamination, and hazards.
• Follow all allergy, dietary, and safe systems of work procedures without exception.
• Maintain ovens and other kitchen equipment in line with user manuals and report faults immediately.
• Participate in all necessary training, including mandatory e-learning and refresher sessions.
• Adhere to Focus Birmingham's food hygiene, safety, and operational policies at all times.

Health & Safety

• Follow all Focus Birmingham policies and procedures, including those related to mobile phone use.
• Adhere to all relevant Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations and guidelines.
• Comply with COSHH regulations and ensure safe use, handling, and storage of cleaning chemicals.
• Wear appropriate PPE at all times and ensure PPE supplies are fully stocked for the next shift.
• Ensure back-of-house areas are cleaned down appropriately at the end of each shift.
• Report all incidents, accidents, and concerns to your Line Manager at the end of every shift.
• Liaise with staff to ensure key information regarding the people we support is shared appropriately and respectfully.
• Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene and presentation in line with uniform requirements, reporting any defects or issues to your Line Manager.

On occasion you will required to provide cover in the Housekeeping Dept, this will be to cover absence. Prior notice will be provided and full training will also be provided. These additional hours will also be paid at £12.21 hourly

Key Housekeeping Responsibilities

• Perform cleaning duties to required organisational standards.
• Clean all designated areas within the organisation as assigned.
• Follow daily and deep-cleaning schedules.
• Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and presentation.
• Use cleaning equipment safely and correctly; report any faults.
• Respect the privacy and individual needs of Service Users.
• Comply with COSHH regulations and use PPE appropriately.
• Follow the organisation's colour-coding cleaning system.
• Complete all required documentation each day.
• Restock cleaning trolleys and leave cupboards clean and tidy at the end of each shift.

Carry out additional tasks or instructions from the Facilities Manager as required.