Department of Health: Food Service Aid Vacancies 2026
Employer: Department of Health (Provincial Government)
Position: Food Service Aid
Job Type: Permanent
Salary: R131,265 per annum (Level 2) plus standard public service benefits
Location: Various Public Hospitals, Psychiatric Facilities, and Community Health Centres, South Africa
Closing Date: Late June 2026 cycles (Aligned with recent Public Service Vacancy Circulars; check specific regional facility logs for variations)
Minimum Requirements
A minimum of Grade 10 (Standard 8) or an equivalent qualification (ABET Level 4).
Advantageous: A completed Grade 12 (Matric) certificate or a basic certificate in Hospitality/Catering Services.
Little to no formal experience required (prior food preparation or kitchen support experience within a hospitality, public service, or healthcare facility is beneficial).
Basic communication skills (ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English or a local official language).
Excellent knowledge of clean handling practices and basic safety measures.
Good interpersonal relations and a strong capacity to function productively inside a high-volume shift team.
High physical stamina and health fitness to perform manual tasks, handle industrial kitchen tools, and withstand long standing periods.
Key Responsibilities & Core Duties
Assisting with the preparation and cooking of daily nutritional meals for hospitalized patients under the direct supervision of Food Service Officers or Dieticians.
Portioning, plating, and packing meals systematically according to specific prescribed therapeutic diet sheets (e.g., diabetic, low-sodium, fluid-restricted, or soft food layouts).
Distributing food trolleys securely to designated wards and collecting used bulk utensils and patient tray structures post-meals.
Operating commercial kitchen equipment, ovens, industrial dishwashers, and peeling tools safely and efficiently.
Executing continuous scullery work by washing, sanitizing, and neatly sorting pots, plates, cutlery, and food preparation containers.
Deep-cleaning, sweeping, and scrubbing kitchen floors, walls, refrigeration units, storage shelving yards, and waste-disposal areas daily.
Adhering strictly to safe food handling guidelines, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) rules, and the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.
Important Public Service Directives
The Department of Health is committed to executing fair employment equity mandates. Appointments are closely guided by departmental Employment Equity targets to support balanced gender, racial, and regional demographics.
How to Apply
National and Provincial public health applications must rigidly comply with standard Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) protocols.
Required Documentation Setup:
A fully completed, initialed on all pages, and signed New Z83 Application Form (effective 1 January 2021). Ensure the exact post name, facility name, and specific reference number are written clearly at the top.
A comprehensive, updated CV detailing your personal background, exact contact details, and traceable references.
Note on Attachments: In line with simplified public service rules, applicants do not need to attach certified copies of IDs or qualifications during the initial application phase. Only shortlisted candidates will be requested to submit them on or before the day of interviews.
Submission Channel:
Applications must be submitted directly to the specific hospital, health district office, or medical center advertising the post. This is done via hand delivery to the facility's HR box or via the dedicated email address specified on the government portal notice.
👉 Access Detailed Facility Addresses & Specific Ref Numbers on Government Vacancies Portal
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