At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to prepare and serve delicious meals while ensuring a hygienic environment.
- Company: Be part of a supportive educational catering team that values your contribution.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, flexible hours, and the chance to work in a vibrant school setting.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and career growth within the Education Authority.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives by providing nutritious meals and excellent service.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just a willingness to learn and a passion for food.
Job Title
Mobile Catering Assistant
Reports To
Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor of base SMK
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 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, regarding 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 in compliance with Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments and Regulations and other legal requirements.
- 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.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Willingness to undertake job‑related training.
- Access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) or alternative transport that enables efficient mobility requirements of the post.
- Effective leadership and people management skills to motivate, manage and develop a team.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Effective planning, organisational and decision‑making skills and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Motivation towards providing excellent food and customer service for children and young people.
- Evidence of values orientation reflecting the Education Authority’s ethos and values.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of working in a customer service or catering role.
Other Requirements
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.
Posts involving work in educational institutions are subject to the provisions of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007. The successful applicant will require an enhanced disclosure check which at present costs £33. Further details regarding the payment of this check will be issued with the contract of employment.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Mobile Catering Assistant - 2 Posts in Ballymena employer: Education Authority (Northern Ireland)
The Education Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. As a Mobile Catering Assistant, you will enjoy opportunities for professional growth while contributing to the health and happiness of children and young people in a vibrant educational environment. With a commitment to equality and a focus on teamwork, this role provides a meaningful way to make a positive impact in your community.
Contact Details:
Education Authority (Northern Ireland) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mobile Catering Assistant - 2 Posts in Ballymena
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out their website and social media. This will help you understand what they value and how you can fit in. Plus, it gives you some great talking points during the chat!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a mate and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions for catering roles, like teamwork and customer service scenarios. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! For a Mobile Catering Assistant role, smart casual is usually the way to go. You want to look professional but also ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in. First impressions matter!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar. It’s a simple way to stand out from the crowd and remind them why you’re the right fit for the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Mobile Catering Assistant - 2 Posts in Ballymena
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Skills:When filling out your application, make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We want to see how you meet the essential and desirable criteria, so don’t hold back on showcasing what you can bring to the table!
Be Specific:Instead of just saying you have experience, give us specific examples of when you've demonstrated those skills. This helps us understand your background better and shows that you’re serious about the role.
Keep It Neat and Tidy:Make sure your application is well-organised and easy to read. A clean layout with clear headings will help us navigate through your information without any hassle. Remember, first impressions count!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Education Authority (Northern Ireland)
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Mobile Catering Assistant. Familiarise yourself with tasks like food preparation, serving meals, and maintaining hygiene standards. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves interacting with pupils and parents, be ready to discuss your experience in customer service or catering. Think of specific examples where you provided excellent service or resolved issues effectively. This will demonstrate your ability to create a positive dining experience.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about food safety, hygiene practices, and how you would handle busy service times. Brush up on relevant regulations and think through scenarios you might face in the kitchen. Being prepared for these practical aspects will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Team participation is key in this role, so be ready to talk about your experience working in teams. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others to achieve goals, especially in high-pressure situations. This will highlight your ability to contribute positively to the catering unit.
