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- Tasks: Assist in food prep and service, maintain cleanliness, and follow health regulations.
- Company: Join West Dunbartonshire Council, a top flexible employer committed to work-life balance.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 25+ days leave, pension contributions, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed, but knowledge of food safety is a plus.
- Other info: Positions available at Dumbarton Academy and Balloch Campus; choose your preferred hours!
The posts are fixed term until 19/10/2025.
- Post 1 - Dumbarton Academy: 20 hours per week (52 weeks)
- Post 2 - Balloch Campus: 27 hours per week (Term-Time)
Vacancies have arisen for Catering Assistants within the Authority's Alexandria & Dumbarton area. The post holder will assist in the day-to-day operational requirements of the catering service within these premises as required.
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting in basic food preparation and service of all foods in compliance with the Nutritional Requirements for Food and Drinks in schools (Scotland) regulations 2008
- Adhering to relevant legislation
- Setting up/clearing away equipment for food service
- Performing general cleaning to a high standard, including crockery, cutlery, kitchen utensils, kitchen and dining room areas, staff rest rooms, and toilets
The role requires adherence to Food Safety Systems, Safe Systems of Work, and Health and Safety Legislation. Knowledge of such legislations and previous experience in similar work would be advantageous.
The successful candidate should be able to work independently and as part of a team. Applicants can select their preferred working hours based on their availability. Some flexibility may be considered, but core cleaning times are as specified.
This post is considered a Regulated Role with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2020. Membership with the PVG scheme is essential. Preferred applicants will need to become members of the relevant PVG scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check before a formal offer is made by West Dunbartonshire Council.
The employment for which you are applying is excepted from the provisions of section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) Order 1975. Applicants are not legally entitled to withhold information about convictions which are considered 'spent' under the Act. Failure to disclose such convictions could lead to dismissal or disciplinary action.
West Dunbartonshire Council was voted one of the top ten flexible employers and prides itself on providing flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance. Additional benefits include:
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with an employer contribution of at least 19.3% and associated benefits
- A minimum of 25 days annual leave, increasing to 35 days with each year of service, plus 8 fixed public holidays
- Access to employee wellbeing support, including occupational health and counselling services
We encourage you to apply and tell us about your experience and why you are suited for this role.
Catering Assistant (2 posts) (Part-Time) (Fixed Term) - WDN05969 employer: West Dunbartonshire Council
Contact Detail:
West Dunbartonshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant (2 posts) (Part-Time) (Fixed Term) - WDN05969
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Nutritional Requirements for Food and Drinks in schools (Scotland) regulations 2008. Understanding these guidelines will not only help you in the role but also show your commitment to food safety and quality during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in catering or food service roles. Even if it's informal, mentioning relevant skills like food preparation or customer service can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of health and safety legislation during the interview. Showing that you understand the importance of these regulations will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Since this role involves working with children, ensure you are ready to talk about your commitment to safeguarding and your willingness to undergo a PVG check. This will reassure the interviewers of your suitability for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant (2 posts) (Part-Time) (Fixed Term) - WDN05969
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 your relevant experience in food preparation, service, and cleaning.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your skills and experiences that align with the job. Emphasise any previous roles in catering or food service, and mention your knowledge of food safety regulations.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Craft a cover letter that explains why you are a great fit for the role. Mention your ability to work independently and as part of a team, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to the catering service.
Check Your Application: Before submitting, proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure all required documents are included and that your contact information is up to date.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Dunbartonshire Council
✨Know Your Food Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the Nutritional Requirements for Food and Drinks in schools (Scotland) regulations 2008. Being able to discuss these regulations during your interview will show that you understand the importance of food safety and compliance in a catering role.
✨Highlight Teamwork Experience
Since the role requires working both independently and as part of a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous jobs. This will demonstrate your ability to fit into their team dynamic.
✨Showcase Your Cleaning Standards
The job involves maintaining high cleaning standards. Be ready to talk about your experience with cleaning in a professional setting, and how you ensure that all areas are kept tidy and hygienic. Specific examples will make your case stronger.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the role offers some flexibility in working hours, express your willingness to adapt your schedule. Mention any previous experiences where you had to adjust your availability to meet the needs of your employer or team.
