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- 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 service to 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.
- 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.
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.
- Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments and Regulations and other legal requirements;
- Codes of Practice
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.
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
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.
- 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 EA'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.
- 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 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.
APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Catering Assistant - 8 posts employer: Education Authority
Contact Detail:
Education Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant - 8 posts
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the daily operations of a catering unit. Understanding the basics of food preparation and service will help you engage in conversations during interviews and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in customer service or catering roles when networking. This can help you make connections with current employees or industry professionals who might provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teamwork skills by participating in group activities or volunteering in community events. This not only builds your experience but also demonstrates your ability to work well with others, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the values and ethos of the Education Authority. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs during an interview can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant - 8 posts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Job Description: Read through the job description carefully. Make sure you understand the main duties and responsibilities of a Catering Assistant, as well as the essential and desirable criteria. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience: In your application form, clearly demonstrate any relevant experience you have in catering or customer service roles. Use specific examples to show how you've successfully completed similar tasks, such as food preparation or maintaining hygiene standards.
Highlight Teamwork and Communication Skills: Since teamwork is essential for this role, emphasise your ability to work well with others. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with colleagues in previous positions, especially in high-pressure environments.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to follow all application instructions carefully. Clearly address each criterion listed in the person specification, and ensure that your application is submitted before the closing date. This will help you stand out and avoid being overlooked during shortlisting.
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. During the interview, showcase your ability to engage with customers and take instructions clearly. You might want to share instances where your communication skills made a difference in a previous job.
✨Express Your Passion for Customer Service
The role involves providing excellent service to children and young people. Be ready to talk about why you enjoy working in customer service and how you ensure satisfaction. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to great service.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions related to food preparation and hygiene standards. Brush up on basic food safety practices and be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios in the kitchen or dining area. This shows your readiness for the responsibilities of the role.