Catering Assistant

Education Authority; Ballymoney; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Ballymoney is seeking a Catering Assistant to join their team. The role involves basic food preparation, organizing service points, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and dining area. Candidates should demonstrate effective communication and customer service skills while aligning with the school’s values and ethos. Successful applicants will undergo background checks prior to employment.

Qualifications

• Willingness to undertake job-related training.
• Teamwork and communication abilities.
• Experience in customer service or catering roles is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food and beverages, and serve meals and snacks.
• Organise and control food service points.
• Clean kitchen, dining areas, and equipment.

Skills

Effective communication

Teamwork

Customer service

Education

Willingness to undertake job-related training

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Catering Assistant
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
1. Basic preparation of food and beverages, including vegetables and snacks using appropriate equipment.
2. Simple cooking, including reconstitution of prepared food.
3. Organising and controlling food service points.
4. Transferring and serving meals and snacks, including transported meals.
5. Assisting with promoting meals to pupils, parents, and principal.
6. Maintaining regular contact with the central kitchen regarding service delivery.
7. Preparing the dining area:
(a) Setting out tables, chairs, benches, and serving points as required.
(b) Setting tables, laying out cutlery, water jugs, etc.
8. Completing general kitchen and dining room duties, including washing up and clearing equipment.
9. Cleaning the kitchen/servery, dining room, and equipment, including floors and walls.
10. Recording temperatures for control purposes.
11. Securing premises as required.
12. Completing delegated duties related to service provision.
13. Complying with Acts of Parliament, regulations, and legal requirements; and adhering to codes of practice.
14. Performing duties within the normal working conditions of the role.
15. Completing necessary administration.
16. Performing all duties appropriate to the grade and within competence.
17. Promoting and adhering to the school's values and ethos.
*Note: When parts of the school are used for both food consumption and educational purposes, non-catering staff are responsible for cleaning the room.*
This job description is subject to review and may be adjusted to reflect changing circumstances. Other duties of a similar nature may be assigned.
In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity, and comply with equality legislation.
To view the terms and conditions, click here.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS
- Clearly demonstrate on your application how you meet each criterion; failure to do so may result in not being shortlisted.
- Demonstrate your criteria by the closing date.
- Shortlisting will be based on the application form and criteria outlined.
- The panel reserves the right to shortlist only those most suited to the role.
- Desirable criteria may be applied if necessary.

SECTION 1 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- Willingness to undertake job-related training.
- Assessed via application form.

SECTION 2 - ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- Effective communication, teamwork, and customer service skills.
- Evidence of aligning with EA’s ethos and values.
- Assessed via interview.

SECTION 3 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA
- Experience in customer service or catering roles.
- Assessed via application form.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
- Criminal background checks are required for roles involving regulated activity with children or vulnerable groups.
- The cost of the check will be borne by the applicant.
- Further info at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES
- View the guidance notes and benefits of joining the EA via provided links.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer