Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is growing and changing. We provide specialist mental health, learning disability and community services across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton, and we’re hiring people who want to shape what comes next. Formed on 1 April 2020 through the merger of Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, we’re now focused on the future with a new Trust Strategy and our Best for the Black Country programme. What we do · Adult and older adult mental health · Children and young people’s mental health · Specialist learning disability services · Community healthcare for children, young people and families in Dudley Why join now · We’ve got real momentum right now. New strategy, clear priorities and our Best for the Black Country work mean things are moving in the right way, fast. · Our values aren’t just posters. People are genuinely compassionate, take responsibility, treat you with respect and help you feel confident and empowered. · You’ll be looked after. Flexible working, family-friendly policies, supportive teams, proper wellbeing support and chances to learn with coaching and development. · There’s room to grow. Loads of services to explore and real space to try ideas and be heard. · It’s a good place to live. Friendly diverse communities, easy transport, good schools and colleges, shopping, food, lots to do, plenty of green space and a lower cost of living than many other city regions. What it’s like to work here You’ll join friendly, skilled teams who look out for each other. We plan together, share caseload pressures, and celebrate wins. New starters get a warm welcome and clear induction; early careers colleagues have preceptorship and buddying; experienced staff can lead, teach and innovate. You’ll have space to do good work, speak up, and see the difference you make. Who we are We’re 4,000 colleagues from many backgrounds, committed to improving health and wellbeing for our communities and for each other. If you’re excited about the role but don’t tick every box, please apply. We value potential and transferable experience. Job overview The role of a Catering Assistant at Black Country Partnership involves working within the Trust Facilities Management structure to ensure the delivery of high-quality and safe catering services to patients, visitors, and staff. The Catering Assistant will report to the Catering Supervisor on each site and will be responsible for assisting in the preparation and serving of meals, maintaining hygiene standards, and ensuring compliance with food hygiene regulations and Trust policies. This role is critical in enhancing the patient experience by providing meals that meet their nutritional and social needs and requires good communication between the ward and kitchen. Advert The main duties of a Catering Assistant at Black Country Healthcare include preparing and serving meals to patients, ensuring that all food is presented in an appealing and hygienic manner. You will be responsible for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation standards in the kitchen and dining areas, including washing dishes and cleaning equipment. Additionally, you will assist with inventory management, ensuring that supplies are adequately stocked and properly stored. Catering Assistants also support the dietary needs of patients by following a specific dietary guide a nd ensuring that meals meet nutritional requirements. Your role is crucial in providing a positive dining experience for patients, contributing to their overall health and well-being. Working for our organisation Working for the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and communities. The Trust is dedicated to providing high-quality mental health, learning disability, and community healthcare services, ensuring that you are part of a team that truly makes a difference. With a strong commitment to staff wellbeing, professional development, and flexible working arrangements, the Trust supports you in achieving a healthy work-life balance while advancing your career. Additionally, the diverse range of roles available means you can find a position that aligns with your skills and passions, all within a supportive and inclusive environment. Joining the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust means being part of a forward-thinking organisation that values its employees and strives to create a positive workplace culture. Detailed job description and main responsibilities As a Catering Assistant at Black Country Healthcare, you will play a vital role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality meal services to our patients. Your responsibilities will include preparing and serving meals, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards in the kitchen and dining areas, and assisting with inventory management. You will work closely with the catering team to support the dietary needs of patients, ensuring that meals are nutritious and meet specific dietary requirements. This position is essential in helping us provide excellent care and support to our patients, contributing to their overall well-being and recovery. Applying and timelines We may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications, so please apply soon. We shortlist after the closing date and will contact shortlisted candidates usually within two weeks. If you haven’t heard by then, you haven’t been shortlisted. Please check your email for updates and contact Recruitment for feedback. Pay and contracts Most NHS roles are paid under NHS Agenda for Change. With us - your starting point is set against the advertised band and your relevant NHS service, with progression through annual increments. Medical and Very Senior Manager roles follow separate national pay frameworks, not Agenda for Change. Details are provided in each advert and during recruitment. Standards and checks · Clinical posts up to and including Band 4 are expected to hold the Care Certificate. If you don’t have it yet, we’ll support you to complete it in post. · Some roles require a Standard or Enhanced DBS check under part V of the Police Act 1997. Having a criminal record won’t automatically prevent employment. We consider the role and individual circumstances. · We are an equal opportunities employer, offer flexible working, and are a smoke free Trust. Inclusion, equality and adjustments · We are an equal opportunities employer and offer flexible working. · We are an anti-racist, disability-inclusive and LGBTQ-inclusive Trust. · We welcome applications from under-represented groups and people with lived experience relevant to our services, including Black and Asian colleagues, Disabled people (including non-visible disabilities such as neurodiversity and mental health) and LGBTQ people. · Disabled applicants can request consideration under our Guaranteed Interview Scheme where essential criteria are met. You can ask for reasonable adjustments at every stage of the process. Our culture and values Best for the Black Country is our improvement journey. We share a clear vision and values, lead with compassion and visibility, listen to every voice, keep improving what we do and take ownership for delivery. You’ll feel it in how teams support each other and in the impact your work has on local people. If you want to contribute, learn and progress, this is a great time to join us.