Kitchen Assistant (Floater) | Burwood Hospital

• Christchurch – Burwood Health Campus
• Permanent full-time role

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role
We are looking for a reliable and flexible Kitchen Assistant – Floater to join our team. This is a varied role supporting kitchen, ward-based meal services, and café operations across the hospital.

You will assist with the preparation, portioning, plating and delivery of meals, ensuring food is served safely, efficiently and to a high standard. This role plays an important part in supporting patient wellbeing by delivering a positive food service experience.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and is committed to hygiene, safety and excellent customer service.

Starting from $27.80 per hour, Based on the Etū Multi-Employer Collective Agreement

Key Responsibilities

Meal Preparation and Kitchen Support

• Assist with food preparation, portioning, plating and delivery to wards
• Support preparation of special diet meals as instructed
• Ensure meals are delivered on time and meet quality standards
• Follow portion control guidelines to minimise waste

Patient Meal Service (Relieving)

• Deliver meals and beverages to patients in a professional and timely manner
• Assist patients to understand and select menu options
• Provide a high standard of hospitality to patients and their whānau
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date information for meal services
• Communicate respectfully with patients, whānau and staff, maintaining privacy and confidentiality

Café Support (Relieving)

• Provide excellent customer service in the hospital café
• Prepare and present food to a high standard
• Maintain a clean, tidy and welcoming café environment
• Comply with all food safety requirements

Food Safety and Hygiene

• Follow all food safety legislation and infection control procedures
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene
• Ensure correct food storage, handling and temperature control

Cleaning and Equipment

• Operate dishwashers and cleaning equipment safely
• Clean, sanitise and store utensils and equipment
• Report any equipment faults promptly

Stock Handling

• Assist with receiving, unpacking and storing deliveries
• Rotate stock to maintain freshness and reduce waste

Health, Safety and Teamwork

• Follow all health and safety procedures, including correct use of PPE
• Report hazards, incidents or risks promptly
• Work collaboratively with the kitchen team and supervisors
• Support new staff with task familiarisation when required

Equity and Cultural Commitment

• Support equitable health outcomes for Māori and all communities
• Demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in all interactions
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive team environment 

About You

Essential

• Experience in a kitchen, food service or catering environment
• Understanding of basic food safety practices
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Reliable, flexible and willing to support across multiple areas

Desirable

• Food Safety Certificate (NZQA Unit Standards 167 & 168)
• Experience in a healthcare or hospital food service environment 

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kerri McCarthy at Kerri.McCarthy@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.

Position description Apply now

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