The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is inviting applications for permanent Food Service Aid positions at Nelspoort Hospital and New Somerset Hospital. These government vacancies offer an opportunity to work in hospital food services, preparing and serving nutritious meals while maintaining high standards of hygiene and food safety.
Food Service Aids play an important role in supporting patient care by ensuring meals are prepared, plated, and distributed safely and efficiently. Candidates who have basic literacy and numeracy skills, enjoy working in a team, and are able to perform physically demanding duties are encouraged to apply.
Food Service Aid – Nelspoort Hospital, Central Karoo District
District: Central Karoo District
Location: Nelspoort Hospital
Salary: R144 024 per annum
About This Opportunity
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has advertised a vacancy for the position of Food Service Aid at Nelspoort Hospital, situated within the Central Karoo District. This role plays a vital part in ensuring that patients receive properly prepared, nutritious meals throughout their stay in hospital. Candidates who have experience in hospital food preparation and are committed to maintaining high standards of hygiene and patient care are encouraged to apply.
Salary Package
The successful candidate will receive an annual salary of R144 024 per annum, reflecting the entry-level nature of this operational support role within the hospital’s food services unit.
Centre
Nelspoort Hospital forms part of the Central Karoo District’s health services network. The hospital’s kitchen and food services unit is responsible for preparing meals for patients on a daily basis, including standard diets and special dietary requirements as prescribed by clinical staff.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum educational and experience criteria:
Qualification: Basic numeracy and literacy skills are required.
Experience: Appropriate experience in preparing patient meals within a hospital environment is essential. Candidates should be able to demonstrate familiarity with hospital-scale food preparation processes.
Inherent Job Requirements:
- Physical strength is necessary, as the role involves lifting heavy objects and remaining on one’s feet for extended periods throughout the working day.
- Willingness to work shifts, including weekends, overtime, and public holidays, is compulsory given the operational demands of a hospital kitchen.
Competencies: Good communication skills, covering reading, speaking, and writing, are required. Applicants should also possess appropriate knowledge of hygiene principles, occupational health standards, HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) requirements, and general safety principles relevant to a food preparation environment.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The appointed Food Service Aid will be responsible for a range of duties within the hospital’s food services unit, including:
Meal Preparation: Preparing meals according to standardised recipes, ensuring consistency and adherence to nutritional and dietary guidelines set by the hospital.
Food Service Provision: Providing comprehensive food services, including pre-preparation and preparation of both normal and special diets, as well as dishing up and distributing meals to patients in a timely and hygienic manner.
Stock Handling: Assisting with the receiving and proper storage of perishable goods and groceries, ensuring stock is managed correctly to prevent spoilage or waste.
Hygiene and Safety Control: Implementing and maintaining a hygienic working environment in accordance with occupational health and safety prescripts, including strict adherence to infection control protocols.
Training Support: Assisting with informal in-service training for new employees joining the food services unit, helping to orient them to kitchen procedures and hygiene standards.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official Western Cape Government careers portal at www.westerncape.gov.za/health-jobs. Applicants should select the “online applications” option to begin the submission process.
Ensure all required supporting documents are prepared and ready for upload before starting the application.
No payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. Applicants should be cautious of any individual or entity requesting payment during this recruitment process, as such requests are not sanctioned by the Department.
Important Notes for Applicants
Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo a practical test as part of the selection process. This assessment will likely evaluate hands-on food preparation skills and adherence to hygiene standards, so candidates are advised to prepare accordingly.
Food Services Aid – New Somerset Hospital, Metro Health Services
Chief Directorate: Metro Health Services
Location: New Somerset Hospital
Salary: R144 024 per annum
About This Opportunity
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has advertised a vacancy for the position of Food Services Aid at New Somerset Hospital, falling under the Chief Directorate: Metro Health Services. This role is central to the daily operation of the hospital’s large-scale food service unit, which is responsible for preparing and distributing meals to patients, including specialised feeds for infants. Candidates with experience in industrial-scale food service environments are encouraged to apply.
Salary Package
The successful candidate will receive an annual salary of R144 024 per annum, in line with the operational nature of this support role within a busy hospital kitchen environment.
Centre
New Somerset Hospital, located in Green Point, Cape Town, operates a large-scale industrial food service unit that caters to patients across multiple wards and departments. The unit also manages Milk Kitchen operations, which involve the production and storage of infant feeds.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum educational and experience criteria:
Qualification: Basic reading, writing, and numerical skills are required.
Experience: Appropriate experience working in a large-scale industrial food service unit is essential. Candidates should be comfortable operating within a high-volume kitchen environment.
Inherent Job Requirements:
- Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays, as determined by the operational needs of the hospital, is compulsory.
- Ability to work within large-scale freezers and cold rooms is required.
- Physical strength is necessary, as the role involves lifting heavy objects and remaining on one’s feet throughout the working day.
- Candidates must dress according to departmental specifications and adhere strictly to hospital policy regarding attire and conduct.
Competencies: Applicants should have knowledge and understanding of basic food groups and various cooking methods. Familiarity with HACCP principles is required, along with knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety principles and measures. Understanding of Milk Kitchen operations, including infant feed production and storage, is also necessary.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The appointed Food Services Aid will be responsible for a wide range of duties within the hospital’s food services unit, including:
Meal Preparation and Service: Preparing, cooking, and plating meals for patients in accordance with standardised recipes and dietary requirements.
Kitchen Hygiene and Maintenance: Cleaning and maintaining the kitchen area and all associated equipment, ensuring hygiene standards are consistently upheld. Employees are expected to follow the Clean-as-you-go principle throughout daily operations.
Equipment Reporting: Identifying, maintaining, and reporting any broken or faulty apparatus and equipment to ensure continued safe and efficient kitchen operations.
Milk Kitchen Duties: Working alternate days in the Milk Kitchen as needed, assisting with infant feed production and proper storage procedures.
Training and Support: Assisting with the in-service training of new workers or colleagues joining the unit, and providing support to the Supervisor when required.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official Western Cape Government careers portal at www.westerncape.gov.za/health-jobs. Applicants should select the “online applications” option to begin the submission process.
Ensure all required supporting documents are prepared and ready for upload before starting the application.
No payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. Applicants should be cautious of any individual or entity requesting payment during this recruitment process, as such requests are not sanctioned by the Department.
