Catering Assistant - 3 Posts

Education Authority; Larne; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Catering Assistant to join their team. This role involves active participation in the daily operations of the catering unit, ensuring a hygienic service and promoting customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and teamwork skills, along with a motivation to provide excellent food service. You will be responsible for food preparation, organizing service points, and maintaining cleanliness in the dining area. If you are passionate about catering and eager to contribute to a positive dining experience, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated willingness to undertake job-related training.
• Effective communication and customer service skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Participate in daily operations of the Catering Unit.
• Prepare food and beverages, and maintain cleanliness in the kitchen.

Skills

Effective communication

Team working

Customer engagement

Organisational skills

Planning skills

Ability to work under pressure

Motivation for 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 the preparation of vegetables and snacks using appropriate equipment.
2. Simple cooking, including the reconstitution of prepared food.
3. Organising and controlling food service points.
4. Transferring and serving meals and snacks including transported meals.
5. Assisting with the promotion of meals to pupils, parents, and principal.
6. Maintaining regular contact with the central kitchen, if applicable, with regard to all aspects of service delivery.
7. Preparing the dining area:
   • Setting out dining room tables, chairs, benches, and serving points as required by the meals service.
   • Setting tables, laying out cutlery, water jugs, etc.
8. Completing general kitchen and dining room duties including washing up, clearing away equipment including tables, chairs, and benches.
9. Cleaning the kitchen/servery, dining room, and equipment including floors and walls.
10. Recording temperatures for control purposes as required.
11. Securing premises as required.
12. Completing duties as delegated in connection with service provision.
13. Carrying out all duties to comply with Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments, Regulations, and other legal requirements; Codes of Practice.
14. Carrying out all duties in the working conditions normally inherent in the particular job.
15. Completing all necessary administration.
16. Carrying out duties for jobs up to and including those in the same grade, provided such duties are within the competence of the employee.
17. Promoting and adhering to the Values/ethos of the School.

Note: Where part of the school premises 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 provides 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 to pay due regard for equality legislation at all times. To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS

• 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 not being shortlisted. Demonstrate this for both essential and desirable criteria where relevant.
• You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless specified otherwise.
• The stage at which the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
• Shortlisting will be based on the information provided by you on your application form.
• The Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants who most strongly meet the criteria.
• In case of many applications, the Panel may apply desirable criteria in order listed, so ensure you demonstrate how you meet these as well.

SECTION 1 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The following are essential criteria measured at shortlisting and possibly during interview:

• Willingness to undertake job-related training.

SECTION 2 - ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Measured during interview, including evidence of:

• Effective communication, team working, and customer engagement skills.
• Organisational and planning skills, ability to work under pressure.
• Motivation to provide excellent food and customer service.
• Values alignment with EA’s ethos and values.

SECTION 3 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Criteria that may be used to shortlist candidates, including:

• Experience in customer service or catering roles.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

Working directly with children or in regulated activity requires an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background, which the candidate will bear the cost of. Further info at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES

Guidance notes and benefits info are available via provided links.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer