Catering Assistant - Loanhead Coffee Shop - MID06899

Catering Assistant - Loanhead Coffee Shop - MID06899

Loanhead Full-Time 24600 - 25600 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Scottish Government

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in the café, serving customers and maintaining a clean environment.
  • Company: Join Midlothian Council, a supportive community-focused organisation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a permanent part-time role with flexible hours and a friendly team.
  • Other info: Must obtain food hygiene and allergen certificates; PVG membership required.
  • Why this job: Perfect for gaining experience in hospitality while making a positive impact.
  • Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a willingness to learn and work with children.

The predicted salary is between 24600 - 25600 £ per year.

Salary: £24,908 - £25,603 per year pro rata

Contract Type: Permanent

Position Type: Part Time

Hours: 14 hours per week

Job Vacancy

The knowledge for the post is acquired through either on-the-job or off-the-job training and experience.

Once in post, the Jobholder is required to gain the elementary food hygiene certificate and Allergen certificate.

Closing Date: Monday 16th July 2025

Interview Date: Wednesday 23rd July 2025

Job Advert

Position Title: Catering Assistant

Directorate: Place

Location: Loanhead Cafe

Hours: 14 hours per week

Work Pattern: Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat 08:30-16:30

Contract Status: Permanent

Weeks per year: 52

Please note that it is Midlothian Council\'s policy that successful applicants will be appointed to the first point on the salary scale.

Based on 14 hours over 52 weeks, the minimum actual salary for this position is £9,686.69 per annum.

Requirements

This post is considered Regulated Work with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children.

Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to employment, with the cost met by you. For more info, visit www.disclosurescotland.gov.uk.

Note that Disclosure Scotland has changed how PVG certificates are issued. You will be notified by email when your certificate is available to view. It is only available for 14 days from the first view. If you do not grant access to Midlothian Council before access is removed, a new application will be needed, incurring additional costs.

Additional Information

If you have difficulty applying or accessing documents, or need reasonable adjustments due to a disability, email recruitment@midlothian.gov.uk with the post reference number.

Midlothian Council is undergoing transformation, which may affect application processing times, especially for internal candidates seeking alternative employment within the Council.

If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability, or are a care-experienced young person previously looked after, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria.

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Catering Assistant - Loanhead Coffee Shop - MID06899 employer: Scottish Government

Midlothian Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and community engagement. As a Catering Assistant at the Loanhead Coffee Shop, you will enjoy flexible part-time hours, competitive pay, and the opportunity to gain essential qualifications in food hygiene and allergens, all while contributing to a vibrant local environment.

Scottish Government

Contact Details:

Scottish Government Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant - Loanhead Coffee Shop - MID06899

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements for the role, especially the need for an elementary food hygiene certificate and Allergen certificate. Consider taking a course or finding resources online to prepare yourself ahead of time.

Tip Number 2

Since this position involves working with children, ensure you understand the PVG Scheme and its requirements. Start the process early to avoid any delays in your application.

Tip Number 3

Research Midlothian Council and their values, particularly around community service and support for vulnerable groups. This knowledge can help you align your responses during the interview.

Tip Number 4

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to catering and customer service. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated teamwork and adaptability, as these are key in a café environment.

We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant - Loanhead Coffee Shop - MID06899

Customer Service Skills
Food Hygiene Knowledge
Allergen Awareness
Teamwork
Communication Skills
Time Management
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Catering Assistant position. Highlight any relevant experience you have in catering or customer service.

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the job. Emphasise your skills related to food hygiene, customer service, and any previous experience in a similar role. Include any certifications you may have, such as food hygiene or allergen training.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter:Craft a cover letter that explains why you are interested in the position and how your skills align with the job requirements. Mention your availability for the specified hours and express your enthusiasm for working at Loanhead Coffee Shop.

Prepare for the PVG Scheme:Since this role involves working with children, be prepared to undergo the PVG Scheme membership process. Familiarise yourself with the requirements and ensure you can provide the necessary documentation when requested.

How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government

Understand the Role

Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Catering Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the working hours and the importance of food hygiene and allergen awareness, as these will likely come up during the interview.

Prepare for Questions on Child Safety

Since this position involves regulated work with children, be ready to discuss your understanding of child safety and safeguarding practices. Think about any relevant experiences you have had in similar roles or situations.

Show Your Passion for Customer Service

Catering roles are all about providing excellent service. Be prepared to share examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment to creating a positive experience for cafe patrons.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or what a typical day looks like. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.