Catering Assistant

Role overview

The Education Authority (Northern Ireland) is recruiting a Catering Assistant based in Coleraine. The role supports the day-to-day running of a catering unit and contributes to efficient, hygienic service delivery, customer satisfaction, and sales within the unit.

Main duties

Working under the direction of the Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor, the post holder will help deliver catering services across food preparation, service, cleaning, and basic administrative tasks.

• Prepare food and drinks in a basic capacity, including vegetables and snacks using the correct equipment.
• Carry out simple cooking tasks, including reconstituting prepared food where needed.
• Help organise and manage food service points.
• Move and serve meals and snacks, including transported meals.
• Support efforts to promote meals to pupils, parents, and the principal.
• Keep in regular contact with the central kitchen, where applicable, regarding service delivery.
• Set up the dining area by arranging tables, chairs, benches, and serving stations as required.
• Lay tables and provide items such as cutlery and water jugs.
• Undertake general kitchen and dining room tasks, including washing up and clearing away equipment, tables, chairs, and benches.
• Clean the kitchen, servery, dining room, and equipment, including floors and walls.
• Record temperatures for control purposes when required.
• Secure the premises when necessary.
• Complete delegated duties connected to service provision.
• Work in compliance with statutory requirements, regulations, Acts of Parliament, and relevant codes of practice.
• Carry out duties in line with the usual working conditions of the post.
• Complete necessary administrative tasks.
• Undertake other duties at the same grade, provided they are within the employee’s capability.
• Support and uphold the school’s values and ethos.

Person specification

Applicants must show on their form how they meet the required criteria for both essential and, where relevant, desirable factors by the closing date. Shortlisting is based on the information provided in the application form, and the panel may apply desirable criteria if a large number of applications is received.

Essential criteria

• Willingness to complete job-related training.
• Effective communication skills to support teamwork, follow instructions, and engage with customers.
• Strong interpersonal and team-working ability.
• Good organisational and planning skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Motivation to provide high-quality food and customer service for children and young people.
• Evidence that your approach and experience align with EA’s ethos and values.

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience in a customer service or catering environment.

Additional information

This post may involve regulated activity with children or young people. If appointed, an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background will be required, and the applicant will be expected to cover the cost of the certificate. Payment details will be provided at pre-employment stage. The organisation is an equal opportunities employer and expects the post holder to promote good relations, equality of opportunity, and compliance with equality legislation in line with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Working conditions and notes

The job description may be reviewed if circumstances change and is intended as a guide rather than a rigid list of duties. Other similar tasks appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time. Where part of the school premises are used both for eating and educational purposes, cleaning of the room is the responsibility of non-catering staff.

Terms and guidance

The post is subject to the applicable terms and conditions for the role. Applicant guidance notes and information on employee benefits are available from the employer’s recruitment materials.