Food Services Assistant

St John of God Halswell is a residential hospital level care facility based in the heart of Halswell and we provide care and support to 60 people who are between the ages of 16 and 65 and are living with a physical and/or neurological disability.

We have a fully staffed commercial kitchen cooking and preparing meals 3 times per day for our residents. Currently, we are searching for a casual food services assistant who can support the existing team and the Head Chef with various tasks ensuring meeting mealtime deadlines. Apart from the regular kitchen duties, you will be supporting our permanent staff when they are on leave or absent from work, enabling them to take much needed leave over the holidays. To be considered for the role, you will need to have had experience in a commercial kitchen, and be familiar with the tasks and duties in that role.

Key Responsibilities

• Dispose of waste in an efficient and hygienic manner.
• Assist with meal preparation and serving in a safe and hygienic manner, including basic texture modification and support for residents’ dietary requirements.
• Maintain all work areas in a clean, safe, and organised condition at all times.
• Operate dishwasher to clean crockery, cutlery, glassware, lids, and pots, and ensure items are properly stored.
• Collect dirty dishes from dining areas and residents’ rooms promptly.
• Clean and sanitise trays and food trolleys.
• Regularly wipe down benches, sinks, and food preparation areas.
• Sort and manage deliveries and ensure correct distribution.
• Assist with vegetable preparation and basic food preparation tasks as required, such as peeling potatoes, cutting vegetables, dicing onions etc.
• Follow all food safety practices, including allergen management, temperature control, and prevention of cross-contamination
• Key responsibilities may vary depending on shift requirements and operational requirements.

Skills required

• Essential skills include teamwork, time management, physical stamina, can do attitude, etc
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work efficiently
• Good attention to cleanliness, hygiene, and detail
• Ability to follow instructions and dietary requirements accurately
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Able to work independently, take initiative, and prioritise tasks with minimal supervision in a fast-paced kitchen
• Understanding of, or willingness to learn, food modification and residents’ dietary requirements
• A positive team player with a genuine passion for service and strong commitment to supporting residents’ wellbeing

Desirable

• Previous kitchen or food service experience in either healthcare, aged care or commercial kitchen environment.
• Food Safety Certificate

Diversity Statement

At St John of God Hauora Trust, we employ and are privileged to work with people from a range of cultures, beliefs, abilities, genders, and sexual identities.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Applications close 5pm, 20 July 2026. If you have any queries regarding this role or would like a copy of the Position Description, please email ***email_hidden***

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Apply or use the Apply with Seek option, you will be redirected through to St John of God Hauora Trust's HR System called

Elmo Talent Management Software.