As the Food Safety Officer/Kitchen Supervisor you'll lead a kitchen hand team in being responsible for the food safety program and all related compliances, delivering nutritious meals with care and excellence, while ensuring the highest standards of hygiene, food safety, ordering, menu planning, presentation, and plating to enhance the dining experience of each resident.

This is a part - time permanent role x 3 days per week based in Lidcombe NSW 2141

Your opportunity

As a Food Safety Officer/Kitchen Supervisor your duties will include:

ROLE SPECIFICS:

Food safety in aged care is crucial due to the increased vulnerability of elderly individuals to foodborne illnesses. Robust food safety practices are essential to minimise risks and ensure the well-being of all residents. This includes proper hygiene, safe food handling, appropriate storage, and adherence to relevant food safety standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Overseeing and reviewing the Food Safety Plan:

Maintaining the comprehensive food safety plan in place that outlines procedures for safe food handling, storage, and preparation, based on all relevant food safety regulations and standards and HACCP principles.

Supervising Food Handlers and staff education:

Overseeing and training the kitchen staff involved in food preparation and service to ensure they adhere to food safety standards. Ensure all food is prepared and served in accordance with the international IDDSI scale.

Food presentation and plating:

Overseeing and training the kitchen staff involved in food preparation and service to ensure all food served to the residents is well presented, appetising, colourful and meets the dietary needs and preferences of the resident.

· Menu planning and food ordering:

The home currently works on a 4-week rotating menu that incorporates regular, soft and bite sized, minced and moist and pureed meals. The system is a chilled/frozen, reheat serve system. There is no fresh cooked on-site meals prepared. Food orders are placed on Mondays and Thursdays with standing orders for sous vide meats.

Maintaining Records:

Keeping accurate records of all food safety procedures, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and any corrective actions taken.

Managing Food Safety Hazards:

Identifying potential risks in the food preparation process and implementing measures to prevent or mitigate them, such as proper temperature control and preventing cross-contamination.

Ensuring Compliance:

Ensuring the facility adheres to all relevant food safety regulations and standards, including FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A, according to anfsi.com.au.

Responding to Issues:

Taking appropriate corrective actions when food safety issues arise and investigating incidents and putting in place continuous improvement.

Liaising with Authorities:

Working with and reporting directly to the facility manager and the senior management team and other relevant regulatory bodies such as the NSW food authority and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission where required.

Key Aspects of Food Safety in Aged Care:

Food Safety Supervisor:

A trained Food Safety Supervisor is vital to oversee all aspects of food preparation and service, ensuring adherence to regulations and best practices.

Hygiene Practices:

Strict handwashing protocols, proper cleaning and sanitizing of equipment, and preventing cross-contamination are fundamental.

Safe Food Handling:

This includes proper cooking temperatures, rapid cooling of cooked food, and maintaining appropriate temperatures for both hot and cold food storage.

Allergen Management:

Careful attention to allergens is necessary, as some individuals may have severe reactions to certain foods.

Texture Modification:

Food safety is crucial when modifying food textures for residents with swallowing difficulties, ensuring that it is safe to consume.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

Regular checks and audits of food safety practices are needed to identify and

REQUIREMENT

· A current NDIS workers Clearance. It is the staff member’s responsibility to maintain currency and provide a copy.

COMMUNICATION:

· Communication is crucial in this role as the food safety officer is a prominent representative of the facility and is responsible for maintaining all food safety compliance objectives of the facility in accordance with organisational governance, all legislative requirements for aged care and the philosophies of the home.