Neonatal Milk Kitchen Assistant

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Neonatal Milk Kitchen Assistant. The successful candidate will support the safe and accurate preparation, handling, labelling, storage and distribution of all milk feeds within neonatal intensive care and special care units. You will work to strict hygiene, infection control and food safety standards, maintain accurate records, monitor stock levels and ensure feeds are prepared and delivered safely and on time. The post holder will report to the Neonatal Milk Kitchen Manager and will work closely with nurses and doctors, contributing to the highest standards of care and safety for vulnerable babies within the neonatal service. The ideal candidate will be reliable, organised, attentive to detail and able to work effectively as part of a busy multidisciplinary team.

In this role, your key responsibilities will include supervising the staff in the milk kitchen in the preparation and maintenance of all infant feeds ensuring that approved methods of preparation are followed. Ensure policies and guidelines relating to the milk kitchen are adhered to at all times. Anticipates and identifies when policies and guidelines require updating, particularly when new processes are introduced. Ensure that additives for milk feeds are provided in a timely manner as prescribed by the medical team. Role models and ensures that the highest standards of cleanliness are adhered to in the milk kitchen. Strictly adheres to guidance on the monitoring of fridge/freezer temperatures and defrosting of same. The successful candidate will need to be able to work a mix of long and short day shifts across any day of the week, including weekends.

You will need to have achieved at least a pass at GCSE level or equivalent in English and Maths. You will need to demonstrate good numeracy skills, as accurate calculation of milk feed volumes is an essential part of the role. A certificate in food handling and experience of providing breastfeeding support would be an advantage. Previous experience of working with parents and families is essential, with the ability to communicate sensitively and professionally.

• Health and physical abilities sufficient for the post (if necessary with reasonable adjustments with respect to the Equality Act/Disability Discrimination Act).
• NVQ level 2 in support services in healthcare.
• Certificate in food handling.
• UNICEF BFI breast feeding management course.
• Knowledge of medical equipment.
• Previous or relevant experience necessary.
• Previous experience working for health care provider and in dealing with parents and families.
• Food handling experience, Able to communicate effectively with parents and all members of the MDT team.
• Working knowledge of national and local policies on infant nutrition and breast feeding.
• Patient First.
• Working Together.
• Always Improving.
• Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated 'Good' by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care. We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme. Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted. We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation.

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