Food Service Assistant

Job summary

The Company

Are you looking for a rewarding career in catering, working with a friendly and supportive team, with great staff benefits and all set in beautiful surroundings?

Here at Augustinian Care we have got two purpose-built care homes located in the grounds of St George’s Park. Our homes offer the best in modern facilities combined with the traditional principles of care which has been offered by the Augustinian Sisters at St George’s since 1868.

Our two sixty-bed Care Homes are based in St George’s Park, Ditchling Common, within 3 miles of both Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill, set within 250 acres of beautiful gardens and farmlands, in an area of outstanding natural beauty with views overlooking the South Downs.

Our teams play a vital role in delivering a warm, professional and resident-focused experience every day. From hospitality and housekeeping, to care and catering, we take pride in maintaining high standards, treating everyone with dignity and respect, and fostering a strong sense of community. We believe great environments are created by great people, and we are passionate about supporting our staff to grow, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference.

You will have access to our excellent training programme, and we pride ourselves on a continuous improvement plan for all our new and existing staff to ensure they have the ongoing knowledge, skills and commitment to become and continue to be a successful, valued member of our team.

Our rates of pay are competitive, and our staff benefits are extensive and include free uniform, free meal, paid breaks and a free staff minibus service from both the Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath areas.

Benefits

Our rates of pay are competitive, and our staff benefits are extensive and include free uniform, free meal, and a free staff minibus service from both the Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath areas.

• Competitive remuneration
• Job security - Augustinian Care have been caring for the elderly for over 150 years
• Annual pay reviews
• Free uniform provided - For all care and ancillary positions
• Free staff transport - Mini bus pickups on specified routes
• Free on site secure parking
• DBS checks - Company funded checks
• Free meal - One free meal provided when on duty (hot for day shifts and Sandwiches on nights)
• Life Cover - based on a multiple of the last 12 months earnings at date of death
• Employee Assistance Programme including free, confidential, access to advice line and counselling
• Access to Blue Light Card – extensive range of discounts on many high street & online brands/shops
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Referral Scheme - with generous rewards (T&C's apply)
• Long service awards - Financial recognition of long service and commitment
• Paid sick leave (T&C's apply)
• Some other staff benefits include: Staff massage chair, Company Summer Fete and Christmas Party, staff prize draws, various staff well-being talks

The Role

As a Food Service Assistant, you will help deliver a friendly, high-quality dining experience that residents can look forward to each day. You will support the preparation, presentation and service of meals, refreshments and snacks, ensuring they are attractively served and delivered with warmth, professionalism and care. From setting up inviting dining areas to providing room service and supporting special events, you will help create a welcoming, restaurant-style atmosphere within the home.

Working closely with the kitchen team, you will maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, food hygiene and safety, while always being attentive to residents’ individual needs and preferences. Your role is central to making every mealtime a positive and enjoyable experience, promoting comfort, dignity and a sense of community for residents and visitors alike.

Requirements

The successful candidate will:

• Have at least 1 years’ experience of working within a catering function.
• Hold a Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2, or to be prepared to study for this as part of the role requirements.
• Have previous experience working within a Care Home environment would be desirable in understanding the needs of our residents however full training will be provided. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and display a positive and flexible aptitude to team working.
• Have the ability to work efficiently and work well under pressure.

All posts are subject to a clear enhanced criminal record check and satisfactory references. 

Although it is no longer a legal requirement for staff working within CQC regulated Care Homes for Older Adult Care in England to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated, in the best interests of our staff and residents, we have decided to keep it a mandatory requirement to work for our organisation. Therefore, we will need proof of your COVID Vaccination pass.

You must have current valid right to work in the UK. This role does not meet the requirements of Sponsorship.