Neonatal Milk Kitchen Assistant

Job overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Job Title: Neonatal Milk Kitchen Assistant

Contract Type: Permanent

Under current Home Office rules, this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if we receive a large number of applications.

Main duties of the job

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

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.

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. 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.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.