Catering Assistant

40 hrs per week - 5 days out of 7

Shift pattern - 6am - 2pm, 10am - 6pm or 12.00 - 8pm

OVERALL OBJECTIVES:

• To assist in the preparation and serving of food and beverages to customers at Westward Care.
• To ensure the hygiene and cleanliness of the kitchen, dining, and bar facilities meet the required high standards.

About The Role

MAIN DUTIES:

Delivering the Vision

• To contribute to the food and beverage service at Westward Care in a professional and friendly manner.
• To contribute to a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere in the dining and bar facilities that encourages customers to enjoy their meals and socialise if they choose to do so.
• To lead by example to ensure that all customers and employees are treated with equality, dignity, and respect, and every individual feels they can challenge discrimination and harassment in employment practice and service provision.
• To contribute to an ethos of ‘right first time and on time’ for food and beverage provision and service.

Quality Management

• To demonstrate a sense of pride for the job and the organisation.
• To maintain a professional appearance in accordance with uniform standards.
• To assist in the cleanliness and general appearance of the kitchen, dining, and bar facilities whilst undertaking own duties.
• To ensure that tables and trays are presented to the agreed high standards before each service.
• To ensure that at the end of the service, tables and trays are cleared promptly and efficiently and the kitchen, dining, and bar facilities are left to the required high standard.
• To ensure health and safety of self and customers through best practice in all aspects of work and in line with Westward Care Health and Safety guidelines.
• To complete all paperwork accurately to the required standard within agreed timescales.
• To maintain a professional appearance in accordance with uniform standards.

Being Part of the Team

• To work effectively with other team members to deliver food and beverages to the customers and to contribute to the smooth operation of the kitchen, dining, and bar facilities.
• To contribute to the development of others through the sharing of skills and information to enhance the experience of the customer.
• To participate in training and development to meet mandatory requirements and identified needs.

Communication

• To adopt various methods of communication to meet customer needs and build positive relationships.
• To maintain confidentiality as appropriate.
• To participate in team meetings and individual meetings with Line Manager as required.

Customer Service

• To look for ways to improve customer service and to communicate these ideas to the Catering Manager and/or General Manager.
• To create an outstanding first impression for customers and visitors to Westward Care.
• To create an ethos that anticipates customer needs and puts the customer first.
• To assist in delighting the customer by exceeding their expectations in creative and fun ways, e.g., surprise treats, birthday meals, seeking out someone’s favourite meal.
• To ensure customers and visitors feel welcome at all times and deal with any enquiries professionally and courteously.
• To demonstrate an understanding that internal customers are to be treated with the same respect and understanding as external customers.

Profitability and Growth

• To be responsible for managing resources in own area effectively to minimise waste and deliver food and beverages to the required high standard.
• To contribute to the management of stock levels and date rotation effectively to ensure availability without excessive stock.
• To assist in managing portion size consistently and appropriately to the customer’s individual requirements.
• To communicate opportunities to be more efficient and effective in own role and as a team.
• To have excellent knowledge of Westward Care services and facilities and to promote these at every opportunity.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• The post holder will be expected to work when required to cover for sickness and holidays.
• You will be required to work unsocial hours, weekends, and Bank Holidays.
• The service operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and flexibility is essential to meet the needs of the service.
• This job description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of duties but is intended to reflect the range of duties that the post holder will perform. The job description will be regularly reviewed and may be changed in accordance with the needs of the home and organisation – in consultation with the post holder.
• Level of DBS disclosure required: Enhanced

Required Criteria

• Customer Service
• Good Communication Skills

Skills Needed

About The Company

Westward Care Ltd lives by its core values and those who join us will be included and encouraged to work within this business ethos.

Company Culture

💙 Our Values in Action

• Kindness — You bring warmth, empathy and patience to every interaction.

• Respect — You honour each resident’s individuality, choices and personal history.

• Trust — You build confidence through reliability, honesty and consistent care.

• Teamwork — You support colleagues, communicate openly and contribute positively to a shared mission.

Company Benefits

Employee development programs, Free parking, Referral bonus, Employee of the Month

Salary

£12.31 per hour