Introduction:
Are you a passionate, organised, and empathetic individual with a love for food and a commitment to providing exceptional service? We are seeking a dedicated Catering Assistant to join our vibrant team at Strathdale Centre, a respected aged care facility located at the heart of Chatswood, NSW.
At Willowood Centre, we believe that delicious, nutritious, and appealing meals are fundamental to the health, well-being, and happiness of our residents. Our catering team plays a crucial role in enhancing their quality of life, and we are unwavering in our commitment to upholding the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, with a particular focus on safe food handling, nutrition, hydration, and resident-centred dining experiences.
About the Role:
As a Catering Assistant, you will be an integral part of our kitchen and dining services, contributing directly to the daily joy and nourishment of our residents. You will work collaboratively with our Cooks, and care staff to ensure all meals are prepared and served safely, hygienically, and to the highest standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Meal Preparation Support: Assist the Chef/Cooks with basic food preparation tasks such as washing, peeling, chopping vegetables, preparing salads, and assembling sandwiches according to recipes and portion control guidelines.
- Plate Presentation: Accurately portion and plate meals, paying close attention to individual resident dietary requirements, allergies, preferences (e.g., texture modified diets, thickened fluids, cultural needs), and aesthetic presentation.
- Dining Service: Assist with setting up dining areas, serving meals to residents in dining rooms or their rooms, ensuring a pleasant and respectful dining experience.
- Resident Interaction: Engage positively and empathetically with residents during meal times, noting and relaying any feedback or special requests to the Chef/Cooks.
- Dishwashing: Operate commercial dishwashers, wash pots, pans, and utensils, ensuring all items are thoroughly cleaned and sanitised.
- Kitchen & Dining Hygiene: Maintain impeccable cleanliness and hygiene standards in the kitchen, scullery, dining areas, and food storage areas (including fridges, freezers, pantries). This involves wiping down surfaces, cleaning floors, and managing waste.
- Waste Management: Correctly segregate and dispose of food waste and general rubbish according to facility policy and infection control guidelines.
- Stock Management: Assist with receiving, checking, and storing deliveries of food and catering supplies, ensuring proper rotation (FIFO) and labelling.
- Reporting: Promptly report any food safety concerns, equipment malfunctions, or issues related to resident dining to the Catering Supervisor or Chef.
- Infection Control: Strictly adhere to all food safety regulations (e.g., NSW Food Authority guidelines) and internal infection prevention and control (IPC) policies and procedures, including correct use of PPE, hand hygiene, and cross-contamination prevention.
Weekly Responsibilities (in addition to daily tasks):
- Deep Cleaning: Conduct scheduled deep cleaning of kitchen equipment (e.g., ovens, grills, fridges, freezers, trolleys) and designated kitchen/pantry areas.
- Stock Rotation & Audits: Assist with more thorough stock rotation and participate in inventory checks.
- Temperature Checks: Assist with regular temperature monitoring of fridges, freezers, and food items to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
- HACCP Compliance: Contribute to maintaining a safe food handling system, understanding and following HACCP principles relevant to the role.
- Review & Feedback: Participate in team meetings, offering feedback on resident preferences and dining experiences to contribute to continuous improvement.
What We Are Looking For:
- Essential: Current Food Safety Certificate (e.g., Statement of Attainment in Food Safety Practices in Catering, or equivalent).
- Strong understanding and unwavering commitment to food safety principles and infection prevention and control (IPC) practices.
- Has a current National Police Check (or willingness to obtain one), valid within 3 months.
- Previous experience in food preparation, kitchen operations, or catering, ideally within an aged care, healthcare, or hospitality environment.
- Knowledge of WHS principles and safe operation of kitchen equipment.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment, as well as independently when required.
- Excellent attention to detail, particularly regarding hygiene, presentation, and dietary requirements.
- Reliable, punctual, and highly organised.
- Empathetic, patient, and respectful attitude towards the elderly, understanding their diverse needs and preferences.
- Good communication skills to interact with residents, families, and team members.
- Ability to follow instructions and adapt to changing needs.
- Supportive Workplace: You'll be valued and empowered, working alongside a dedicated team of professionals
- Rewarding Career: Make a real difference in the lives of our residents, fostering their well-being and creating a warm, enriching atmosphere
- Great location: close to public transport and Strathfield shopping centre
- We offer competitive rates
- Access to our state of the art EAP and medical support provider
- Discounted private health insurance and banking products
- Discounts for employees through our benefits provider
Description:
The GSO – Hotel Services (Catering) is responsible for providing a quality food service to residents in accordance with their individual needs and preferences ensuring all catering activities are undertaken in accordance with Columbia’s policies and procedures and all associated food safety and food handling regulations. Other duties as required by the Chef / Cook Manager, the Facility Services Manager, the Executive Manager – Accommodation Services and the CEO to meet the objectives and functions of Columbia Aged Care Services.
Skills and Experiences:
At least two (2) years’ experience in a catering role within an aged care facility. Completion of Food Handlers course or equivalent.
