At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Catering Assistant, preparing and serving delicious meals daily.
- Company: Be part of the Education Authority, dedicated to providing quality food services for students.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience in catering and customer service.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn!
- Other info: This role is perfect for high school and college students looking for part-time work.
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Catering Assistant
REPORTS TO: Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor
RESPONSIBLE TO: Catering Manager through appropriate Area Catering Manager
JOB PURPOSE: To actively participate in the daily operation of the Catering Unit under the direction of the Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor. Team participation is essential to provide an efficient hygienic service, to achieve customer satisfaction and to promote sales within the unit.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Basic preparation of food and beverages, including the preparation of vegetables and snacks using appropriate equipment.
- Simple cooking, including the reconstitution of prepared food.
- Organising and controlling food service points.
- Transferring and serving meals and snacks including transported meals.
- Assisting with the promotion of meals to pupils, parents and principal.
- Maintaining regular contact with the central kitchen, if applicable, with regard to all aspects of service delivery.
- Preparing the dining area:
- Setting out dining room tables, chairs, benches and serving points as required by the meals service.
- Setting tables, laying out of cutlery, water jugs, etc.
- Completing general kitchen and dining room duties including washing up, clearing away equipment including tables, chairs and benches.*
- Cleaning the kitchen/servery, dining room and equipment including floors and walls.*
- Recording temperatures for control purposes as required.
- Securing premises as required.
- Completing duties as delegated in connection with service provision.
- Carry out all duties to comply with:
- Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments and Regulations and other legal requirements;
- Codes of Practice
- Carry out all duties in the working conditions normally inherent in the particular job.
- Complete all necessary administration.
- Carry out duties for jobs up to and including those in the same grade, provided such duties are within the competence of the employee.
- Promote and adhere to the Values/ethos of the School.
* Note: Where part of the school premises are used for the dual purpose of consumption of food and educational purposes, non-catering staff are responsible for cleaning the room.
This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.
In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times. To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS
- You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
- You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
- The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
- Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
- Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
- In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet any desirable criteria.
SECTION 1 – ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
Factor
Essential Criteria
Method of Assessment
Other
Willingness to undertake job related training
Shortlisting by Application Form
SECTION 2 – ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model.
Factor
Essential Criteria
Method of Assessment
Skills/Abilities
In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of: Effective communication skills to support team working, taking of instruction and engagement with customers. Excellent interpersonal and team working skills Effective organisational and planning skills and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines Motivation towards providing excellent food and customer service for our children and young people
Interview
Values Orientation
Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here.
Interview
SECTION 3 – DESIRABLE CRITERIA
Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
Factor
Desirable Criteria
Method of Assessment
Experience
Experience of working in a customer service or catering role
Shortlisting by Application Form
DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.
In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.
Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.
APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES
To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.
To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here.
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer
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Catering Assistant employer: Education Authority
Contact Detail:
Education Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Catering Assistant as outlined in the job description. Understanding the daily operations and responsibilities will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in customer service or catering roles when discussing your background. This will show that you have relevant skills and can contribute positively to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you embody the values and ethos of the Education Authority. Reflect on your past experiences and be ready to share examples that align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice effective communication skills, as they are essential for this role. Be ready to demonstrate your ability to work well in a team and engage with customers during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Job Description: Carefully read the job description for the Catering Assistant role. Make sure you understand the main duties and responsibilities, as well as the essential and desirable criteria. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience: In your application, clearly demonstrate how your previous experience aligns with the essential criteria. If you've worked in a customer service or catering role, provide specific examples of your responsibilities and achievements that relate to the job.
Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your effective communication skills, teamwork abilities, and organisational skills in your application. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you've successfully worked under pressure and met deadlines in past roles.
Align with Company Values: Research the values of the Education Authority and reflect on how your personal values align with theirs. In your application, provide examples of how your approach to work embodies these values, particularly in relation to providing excellent food and customer service.
How to prepare for a job interview at Education Authority
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a Catering Assistant, teamwork is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experiences working in teams and how you contribute to a positive team environment. Highlight any specific examples where you successfully collaborated with others.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated with customers or colleagues, especially in a busy environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about food preparation and service. Brush up on basic food hygiene practices and be ready to discuss how you would handle various scenarios in the kitchen or dining area. Showing knowledge of food safety can set you apart.
✨Express Your Passion for Customer Service
The role involves serving meals to children and young people, so it's important to convey your enthusiasm for providing excellent customer service. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making customers happy.