Catering Assistant

Job Overview

The Catering Assistant will contribute to the daily functions of the Catering Unit under guidance from the Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor, reporting ultimately to the Catering Manager via the Area Catering Manager. This role is key in maintaining an efficient, hygienic service, aiming to enhance customer satisfaction and promote sales within the catering unit.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform basic food and beverage preparation, including handling vegetables and snacks with proper equipment.
• Carry out simple cooking tasks, such as reconstituting prepared foods.
• Manage and operate food service points in an organized manner.
• Serve and transfer meals and snacks, including those for transport.
• Help promote meals to students, parents, and school leadership.
• Coordinate with the central kitchen regarding service delivery as needed.
• Prepare the dining area by arranging tables, chairs, benches, and serving points as required.
• Set tables including cutlery and water containers.
• Complete kitchen and dining room chores like washing up and clearing equipment.
• Thoroughly clean kitchen, servery, dining areas, including floors and walls.
• Record temperatures for quality control purposes.
• Secure premises when necessary.
• Fulfill all delegated duties related to service provision.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and codes of practice.
• Work within the typical conditions pertinent to the role.
• Handle any necessary administrative tasks.
• Perform additional duties of similar grade when competent.
• Uphold and promote the values and ethos of the school.

Additional Information

When school premises serve dual purposes (food consumption and education), non-catering staff handle cleaning of those rooms. The job description is subject to review and may be updated to adapt to changing circumstances. The post holder must promote equality, good relations and adhere to relevant legislation as required by the Northern Ireland Act (1998).

Candidate Requirements

• Willingness to engage in job-related training.
• Effective communication skills to support teamwork, instruction taking, and engaging with customers.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration abilities.
• Good organizational and planning skills with capability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Motivation to deliver excellent food and customer service to children and young people.

Desirable Attributes

• Prior experience in customer service or catering roles.

Important Notes

Candidates must clearly demonstrate their qualifications and criteria fulfillment in their application for both essential and desirable requirements. Enhanced Disclosure of criminal background will be required for those appointed, consistent with safeguarding vulnerable groups regulations. The cost for disclosure certificate will be borne by the successful applicant.