Education Authority (Northern Ireland)
Catering Assistant - 2 posts
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# Job Title: Catering Assistant
Reports To:
- Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor
Responsible To Through:
- Catering Manager via 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 and hygienic service
- Achieve customer satisfaction
- Promote sales within the unit
# Main Duties and Responsibilities
Food & Beverage Preparation
- Basic preparation of food and snacks using appropriate equipment:
- Vegetables, snacks, and simple cooking tasks
- Reconstitution of prepared food items
Service Delivery
- Organisation, control, and monitoring of food service points
- Transferring and serving:
- Meals and snacks, including transported meals
- Assistance with promoting meals to:
- Pupils
- Parents
- Principal staff
- Maintaining regular liaison with central kitchen (if applicable) for service delivery
Dining Area Prep & Duties
- Setting up dining areas:
- Tables, chairs, benches, and serving points per meal requirements
- Laying out cutlery, plates, water jugs, etc.
- General kitchen and dining room tasks:
- Washing up and clearing equipment
- Tables, chairs, and benches maintenance
- Cleaning kitchen, servery, dining room, and equipment (including floors & walls*)
Hygiene & Record-Keeping
- Recording temperatures as required for Safety & Compliance
- Ensuring adherence to:
- Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments and Regulations
- Codes of Practice
Operational Support
- Securing premises as assigned
- Delegated duties to extend service provisions
- Completing all Administrative Tasks
School Values/Ethos
- Promoting and adhering to the School’s Values/Ethos
- Completing duties for other roles within the same grade (if within competence)
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Note: For dual-purpose rooms used for education and food consumption, Non-catering staff handle cleaning.
# Job Flexibility This job description will be reviewed periodically. While not rigid, it outlines framework guidelines for expected performance.
Additional duties of a similar nature may occasionally be assigned.
# Working Environment Conduct duties inline with working conditions normally associated with the role.
# Equal Opportunities & Legislations (NI) In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the successful candidate must:
- Promote good relations
- Uphold equality of opportunity
- Show consideration for relevant equal rights legislation
# PERSON SPECIFICATION
NOTES TO APPLICANTS
How to Address Criteria
Your application must clearly demonstrate alignment with all criteria under both Essential and Desirable categories. Failure to show how you meet these criteria may result in disqualification from shortlisting.
SECTION 1 – ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
The following Essential Criteria will initially be assessed during Shortlisting, with potential follow-ups during Interviews.
| Factor | Essential Criteria | Measured How |
|---|---|---|
| --------------------------------- | Willingness to undertake job-related training | Shortlisting by Application Form |
SECTION 2 – INTERVIEW TRAITS
These additional essential skills will be measured during the Interview, based on EA’s Game-Changing People Model
Skills/Abilities
- Effective Communication for teamwork, following instructions, and customer engagement
- Strong interpersonal & teamworking skills
- Organisational & planning skills under pressure
- Ability to meet deadlines while delivering:
- Excellent food service
- Customer satisfaction for children/young people
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Values Orientation Evidence-based application of EA ethos & values *(reference available here). Expected traits will be assessed through sample questions/discussions.
SECTION 3 – DESIRABLE (EXPERIENCE-BASED) CRITERIA
Some or all of these may influence shortlisting to create a manageable candidate pool. Must appear or be referenced on the application form.
| Factor | Desirable Criteria | Applicable in Shortlisting Suggestion Order |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Previous roles in customer service or catering | Shortlisting by Application Form |
# Important Notice: Job Applicants Registered Background Check
Pursuant to the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007, this role qualifies as “regulated activity” involving direct work with:
- Children or young people
- Specified locations with implied vulnerability.
If appointed, the Education Authority (EA) must conduct a separate Enhanced Disclosure.
- Solo responsibility for mounting an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate (or WEC).
- Details regarding payment will be disclosed post-recommendation.
Access relevant guidance:
# APPLICANT GUIDANCE
To search for additional job benefits, visit: EA Benefits Guide.
The Education Authority is dedicated to equal opportunities and inclusion. All applicants are encouraged to apply.
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