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- Tasks: Join our team as a Catering Assistant, preparing and serving food while ensuring a hygienic environment.
- Company: Be part of the Education Authority, dedicated to providing excellent service to students in Belfast.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, training opportunities, and a supportive work culture focused on teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience in a fun, dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn!
- Other info: This role involves working closely with children, so a background check is required.
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.
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.
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.
APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES
Contact Detail:
Education Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant - South East Belfast (8 Posts)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Catering Assistant. Understanding tasks like food preparation, serving meals, and maintaining hygiene standards will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your teamwork skills! Since this role requires effective communication and collaboration with colleagues, think of examples from past experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your customer service experience. Highlight any previous roles where you interacted with customers, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your ability to engage positively with pupils and parents.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the values and ethos of the Education Authority. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can set you apart from other candidates during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant - South East Belfast (8 Posts)
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. 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 handled similar tasks, such as food preparation or customer interaction.
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 Guidelines: Make sure to follow all application guidelines provided in the job posting. Clearly address each criterion in your application form, as failure to do so may result in not being shortlisted. Pay attention to the closing date and ensure your application is submitted on time.
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 collaborated effectively 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 helped resolve an issue or improve service.
✨Express Your Passion for Customer Service
The role requires a strong motivation towards providing excellent food and customer service. Be ready to talk about why you enjoy working in catering and how you ensure customer satisfaction, especially when serving children and young people.
✨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, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
