Food Services Assistant

Overview

St John of God Halswell is a residential, hospital-level care service located in the centre of Halswell. The facility supports 60 residents aged 16 to 65 who live with physical and/or neurological disabilities.

The kitchen is fully staffed and prepares meals three times a day. The organisation is looking for a casual food services assistant to back up the existing team and the Head Chef with day-to-day kitchen tasks so mealtimes run on schedule. This role also helps cover permanent staff when they are on leave or unexpectedly absent, including over holiday periods. Prior experience in a commercial kitchen is required, along with familiarity with the usual duties of that environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle waste disposal in a clean, efficient, and hygienic way.
• Support meal preparation and serving while maintaining safety and hygiene, including simple texture-modified meals and support for residents’ dietary needs.
• Keep all kitchen and work areas tidy, safe, and well organised throughout the shift.
• Run the dishwasher and clean crockery, cutlery, glassware, lids, and pots, then store everything correctly.
• Gather used dishes from dining spaces and residents’ rooms without delay.
• Clean and sanitise trays and food trolleys.
• Wipe benches, sinks, and food preparation surfaces regularly.
• Receive deliveries, sort them, and ensure items are distributed correctly.
• Help with vegetable preparation and basic food prep, such as peeling potatoes, cutting vegetables, and dicing onions.
• Work in line with food safety rules, including allergen control, temperature monitoring, and avoiding cross-contamination.
• Carry out other tasks as needed depending on shift and operational demands.

Skills and Experience

• Ability to work well in a team, manage time effectively, and keep up with the physical demands of kitchen work.
• A dependable, punctual approach with the ability to work productively.
• Strong focus on cleanliness, hygiene, and accuracy.
• Capability to follow instructions and meet dietary requirements precisely.
• Clear communication and the ability to collaborate effectively with others.
• Comfort working independently, taking initiative, and prioritising tasks with limited supervision in a busy kitchen.
• Willingness to learn, or existing knowledge of, food modification and resident dietary needs.
• A positive, service-oriented attitude and a strong commitment to resident wellbeing.
• Previous kitchen or food service experience in healthcare, aged care, or a commercial kitchen is preferred.
• Food Safety Certificate is desirable.

Eligibility and Diversity

The employer values a diverse workforce and welcomes people from different cultures, beliefs, abilities, genders, and sexual identities.

Applicants must have New Zealand residency or a valid New Zealand work visa.

Application Information

Applications close at 5:00 pm on 20 July 2026. If you have questions about the role or would like a copy of the position description, contact hr@sjog.org.nz.

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