At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to prepare and serve delicious meals while ensuring a hygienic environment.
- Company: Be part of a supportive education authority dedicated to nurturing young minds.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, training opportunities, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Perfect for students looking for part-time work that fits around their studies.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in catering and customer service while working with a fun team.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just a willingness to learn and work well with others.
Overview
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 the cleaning of 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, there is information available below.
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.
- 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 the organisation’s model. 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.
- Values orientation: Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect the organisation’s ethos and values.
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.
- Experience of working in a customer service or catering role
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 appointment 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 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
Catering Assistant - 5 Posts in Ballymena employer: Education Authority
The Education Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises teamwork and customer service excellence. With a commitment to employee growth through training opportunities and a focus on promoting good relations and equality, working as a Catering Assistant here means contributing to the well-being of children and young people in a dynamic environment. Located in Northern Ireland, this role provides a chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of a collaborative and inclusive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant - 5 Posts in Ballymena
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Education Authority. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Education Authority
Don't be shy about reaching out to Education Authority directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant - 5 Posts in Ballymena
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Education Authority and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Education Authority
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!