Job summary
- Main area
- Women and Newborn
- Grade
- Band 2
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Job ref
- 188-CL260926
- Employer
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Princess Anne Hospital
- Town
- Southampton
- Salary
- £25,272 Per annum - Pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 01/10/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Neonatal Milk Kitchen Assistant
Band 2
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.
Working for our organisation
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. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.
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.
Person specification
Physical requirements of the post
Essential criteria
- Health and physical abilities sufficient for the post (if necessary with reasonable adjustments with respect to the Equality Act/Disability Discrimination Act).
Qualifications / training required
Essential criteria
- NVQ level 2 in support services in healthcare.
- Certificate in food handling.
Desirable criteria
- UNICEF BFI breast feeding management course
- Knowledge of medical equipment
Previous or relevant experience necessary
Essential criteria
- Previous experience working for health care provider and in dealing with parents and families.
- Food handling experience
Desirable criteria
- Willing to undertake appropriate courses to expand/extend knowledge.
Special requirements of the post
Essential criteria
- 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.
Trust Values
Essential criteria
- Patient First
- Working Together
- Always Improving
Employer certification / accreditation badges
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.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Alice Bell
- Job title
- Senior Sister
- Email address
- [email protected]
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