Education Authority Northern Ireland
Catering Assistant
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Catering Assistant
Catering Support Job Description
Reports to: Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor Direct responsibility to: Catering Manager (via Area Catering Manager)
Job Purpose
To contribute actively to the daily operations of the Catering Unit under the guidance of the Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor. Essential teamwork ensures an efficient, hygienic service, customer satisfaction, and promotion of sales within the unit.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare and handle basic food and beverages, including:
- Vegetable preparation and snack assembly
- Use of appropriate equipment
- Perform simple cooking tasks (e.g., reconstituting pre-prepared food)
- Organise and oversee food service points
- Prepare, transfer, and serve meals and snacks, including transported meals
- Assist with promoting meals to pupils, parents, principal
- Maintain regular communication with the central kitchen (if applicable) for service coordination
- Set up the dining area, including:
- Organising tables, chairs, benches, and serving points per requirements
- Laying tables, arranging cutlery, water jugs, and related utensils
- Undertake general cleaning and preparation, including:
- Washing up
- Clearing dining equipment
- Emptying and cleaning bins (e.g., chairs, benches)
- Clean kitchen, servery, dining room, and equipment (walls, floors)
- Record temperatures for quality/control purposes as required
- Secure school premises as needed
- Complete any delegated duties related to service provision
- Comply with all legal requirements, including:
- Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments, and codes of practice
- Perform duties under normal working conditions
- Administer required paperwork
- Support tasks within the same job grade if competent
- Align actions with the school’s values and ethos
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• Note: If the dining room serves dual purposes (education/consumption), non-catering staff maintain its cleanliness. This role evolves adaptively to changing needs; other duties may be assigned as appropriate.
"Promoting equality and good relations (Northern Ireland Act 1998) are essential."
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Universally Measured Criteria
- Must demonstrate readiness for job-related training (assessed via application form).
Interview-Specific Essential Criteria
*(Evaluated during interview aligned with EDU’s Game-Changing People Model)
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1. Skills & Abilities:
- Strong communication, teamwork, instruction-following for effective collaboration and customer interaction
- Proven interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Demonstrated organisation, planning, and pressure management
- Motivation for delivering high-service standards to children and young people
2. Values Orientation:
- Evidence that personal attitudes/approach reflect EA’s ethos and values (see [EDU values page]).
Desirable Criteria
(If high applicant volumes, panel may prioritise based on listed order):
- Previous experience in customer-facing roles (assessed via application form to refine shortlisted candidates).
Additional Considerations
- Background Check: If selected for a role involving regulating activity with children/youth, an enhanced criminal disclosure will be required. Applicants cover their own cost.
- Refer to NI Direct or Department of Justice Nigel Williams for details on deregulation.
The Education Authority is an equal opportunity employer for all.
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