Education Authority (Northern Ireland)
Catering Assistant
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Catering Assistant
Catering Assistant
About the Role
Notes to Job Applicants
You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how and to what extent you meet the required criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. Demonstrate this for all relevant criteria by the closing date for applications.
Section 1 – Essential Criteria (Assessed at Shortlisting)
| Factor | Essential Criteria | Method of Assessment | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willingness to undertake | Job-related training | Shortlisting by Application Form |
Section 2 – Essential Criteria (Assessed at Interview/Selection)
In line with the Education Authority’s Game-Changing People Model, the following skills and values will be evaluated during the interview stage:
Required Skills & Abilities
- Effective communication to support teamwork, instruction-taking, and customer engagement
- Excellent interpersonal and teamworking skills
- Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
- Motivation to deliver excellent food and customer service for children and young people
Values Orientation
Demonnstrate how your experience and work approach align with the EA’s ethos and values (for reference: our Values).
Section 3 – Desirable Criteria (Applied at Shortlisting if Necessary)
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| Factor | Desirable Criteria | Method of Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Experience in customer service or catering | Shortlisting by Application Form |
Criminal Background Check
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 requires applicants working directly with children or in specified areas to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. You must meet the cost of the certificate if successful.
Further details: NI Direct, Department of Justice.
Job Title
Catering Assistant
Reports To
- Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor (Responsible to: Catering Manager through the relevant Area Catering Manager)
Job Purpose
To actively contribute to the daily operations of the Catering Unit as directed by the Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor. Work collaboratively to ensure a hygienic, efficient service, customer satisfaction, and sales promotion within the unit.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Food & Beverage
- Basic preparation of food and beverages, including:
- Preparing vegetables and snacks using appropriate equipment
- Perfoming simple cooking (e.g., reconstituting prepared food)
- Organising and controlling food service points
Service Delivery
- Transferring and serving meals and snacks (including transported meals)
- Assisting in promoting meals to pupils, parents, and principals
- Maintaining regular contact with the central kitchen regarding service delivery
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Dining Area Preparation
- Setting up:
- Dining room tables, chairs, benches
- Serving arrangements (cutlery, water jugs, etc.)
- General kitchen and dining room duties, including:
- Washing up
- Clearing equipment (tables, chairs, benches*)
- Cleaning of the kitchen/servery, dining room, and equipment (floors, walls*)
Compliance & Security
- Recording temperatures for quality control
- Securing premises as required
- Undertaking duties delegated by management
- Completing all administrative tasks
Legal & Ethical Compliance
- Adherence to:
- Acts of Parliament
- Statutory Instruments and Regulations
- Codes of Practice
- Ability to work under authentic job conditions and promote the school’s ethical values
Miscelaneous
- Performing duties for assignments up to the same grade, where competent
- Promoting the school’s values and ethos
Additional Notes
- Some school areas serving dual education and food consumption purposes have non-catering staff responsible for cleaning such rooms.
- This job description is not rigid and will be reviewed as necessary, providing guidelines for role execution. Additional duties of a similar nature may be assigned as required.
- Northern Ireland Act (Section 75) requires the postholder to promote:
- Good relations
- Equality of opportunity
- Due regard for equality legislation
Summary of terms and conditions
Equal Opportunities
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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