Introduction

This is a very important service to those who, for many different reasons, are unable to prepare food.  Meals on Wheels (MoW) Supervisors arrange for quality meals to be provided for older people, those who are very unwell, disabled people or those on low incomes. Often, people who have been hospitalised are entitled to the service too. MoW Supervisors/Officers work in all types of authority except for district councils.

Work Environment

This begins in the office and extends to the kitchens and then to private homes or care centres. MoW Officers work about 40 hours a week, some of which will be in the evenings and at weekends. Walking and carrying products and catering equipment in all sorts of weather conditions are to be expected.

Daily Activities

The basic aim of this job is to provide quality meals to clients throughout the area. This will entail daily visits, sometimes to deal with complaints as well as checking that
standards are being met in the kitchens and in the delivery process. It may be that there are new products to be discussed with the cooks and the clients, too. Most of the time the officer will deal with administration and budgeting as well as the supervision of chefs, distributors (some may be voluntary workers) and product suppliers. There are daily deadlines to be met but they are free to work on their own initiative within those restrictions.

In the course of an average day, MoW supervisors will liaise with all staff under their control as well as voluntary agencies like Age Concern and WVRS. In the longer term, they may work on special projects such as frozen delivery contracts, setting up new contracts and new luncheon clubs.

Skills & Interests

You would need the following qualities to be good at the job:

• practical ability
• attention to detail
• caring nature
• project management ability
• good with figures
• confidence
• ability to get on with people from different backgrounds
• organisational skills
• computer literacy.

It is also important to look smart and be able to handle budgets.

Entry Requirements

A catering background that has included administrative duties is important. An NVQ/GNVQ in a food management subject is often required

People who have a background in the armed forces that has involved catering and administration are sometimes attracted to this kind of work.

Estimated salary range

16,000 – 20,000

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

There is a wide range of opportunities in this field with promotion dependent on experience and further qualifications. Because the nature of this work requires different skills there are administrative posts that offer possibilities for advancement, for example Systems Administrator. The next step up the ladder for a MoW Supervisor would be Manager, Community Services.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Caring For Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

Community Care journal and Catering journals.

Local Authority Caterers Association www.laca.co.uk

Springboard www.springboarduk.org.uk

Community Service Volunteers www.csv.org.uk/socialhealthcare

Follow this link for social services recruitment contacts within local councils in your area.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Meals on Wheels Supervisor vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com – the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.