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- Tasks: Join our team to prepare and serve delicious meals while ensuring a hygienic environment.
- Company: Be part of a supportive educational catering team making a difference.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, flexible hours, and the chance to work in a vibrant school setting.
- Why this job: Perfect for those who love food and want to contribute to a positive school atmosphere.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just a passion for food and teamwork!
- Other info: Opportunities for training and career growth in a friendly environment.
Job Description
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 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
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.
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.
To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, note that you should click or reference the relevant link in the original posting.
Person specification
Notes to job applicants
1. 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.
2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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
Have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable you to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner.
OR
Provide sufficient information to satisfy the employer that you have access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable you to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner.
Shortlisting by Application Form
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 leadership and people management skills to successfully motivate, manage and develop a team
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Effective planning, organisational and decision-making skills and an 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
Qualifications/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 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 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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Mobile Catering Assistant - 6 posts employer: Education Authority
Contact Detail:
Education Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mobile Catering Assistant - 6 posts
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the school or catering unit. Understanding their values and how they operate can help you tailor your responses and show that you're a great fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience in food preparation and customer service.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! Since this role is all about working with others, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous jobs. Highlighting your ability to work well in a team can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Mobile Catering Assistant - 6 posts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us What You've Got: When filling out your application, make sure to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria. We want to see your skills and experiences shine through, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific and Relevant: Tailor your responses to the job description. Use examples from your past experiences that relate directly to the duties of a Mobile Catering Assistant. This helps us see how you'd fit right in with our team.
Mind the Deadline: Make sure you submit your application before the closing date. We can’t wait to hear from you, but we need your application in on time to consider you for the role!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Education Authority
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Mobile Catering Assistant. Familiarise yourself with food preparation, service points, and hygiene standards. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is essential in this role, be prepared to discuss your experiences working in a team. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive team environment or helped resolve conflicts. This will demonstrate your ability to work well with others.
✨Highlight Customer Service Skills
Customer satisfaction is key in catering. Think of specific instances where you've provided excellent service or handled difficult situations with customers. This will illustrate your commitment to delivering a great experience for pupils and parents alike.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the catering unit's operations or the team's dynamics. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.