Catering Assistant

**Job Role: Catering Assistant**

**Accountable to: Catering Lead**

**About Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone**:
Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is a 21st century youth hub located at the heart of Blackburn and a dedicated site in Darwen, open to young people aged 5 to 25 years old, aiming to change the prospects offered to young people in the area. Our vision is to be at the heart of the community,collaborating to create a more cohesive and prosperous Blackburn and Darwen. We are one of the leading youth organisations in Blackburn, with a membership of over 2,500 young people. We are open 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year and offer over 40 different activities and opportunities in our open-access youth club.

**Context of Role**:
Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is an iconic, state-of-the-art facility for young people in the heart of Blackburn which opened in June 2012. The Catering team at Blackburn Youth Zone plays a crucial role in creating a positive and engaging environment for young people within the community. The context of the role is centred around providing nutritious and appealing meals to the youth who access the facilities of the Blackburn Youth Zone. This position involves supporting the kitchen team with the preparation and serving of meals under the direction of the catering manager. As well as maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen and serving areas. Relevant paperwork must also be completed to fit in line with the health and safety regulation.

**Main Responsibilities**:

- Assist in preparation and cooking of food, ensuring a consistently high standard.
- Serve young people hot meals on time and assist with the tuck shops, this included cash handling and operating our till system.
- Support with any events hosted at the Youth Zone
- Maintain excellent communication and customer service, ensuring young people and visitors have a positive experience.
- Ensure that all kitchen areas and serving areas are clean and free from hazards, and that accidents and incidents are reported.
- Ensure daily disposables such as paper plates, and paper cups are stocked correctly.
- Prepare refreshments for visitors or young people.
- Assist in the monitoring and maintaining of records of daily fridge, freezer and food temperatures, in accordance with Food Hygiene Regulations and Health and Safety Policy.
- Assist in the routine deep clean of the kitchen in accordance with Health and Safety and COSHH requirements.
- Adhere to the health and safety policy, COSHH, manual handling and security regulations (training will be given).
- Ensure the safe operation of kitchen equipment, ensuring any defects or necessary repairs to equipment are reported to the Line Manager immediately.
- Ensure that you maintain high standards of cleanliness, personal hygiene, and appearance

**Person Specification**:
**Education/Training/Qualifications**
- Five GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C or above.
- NVQ Level 2 catering or other recognised catering qualifications (_desirable) _

**Experience**:

- Experience of working with young people ages 5 to 25.
- Experience in working in a catering environment

**Skills/Abilities**:

- Experience in a catering environment is desirable
- Knowledge of Health & Safety and Environmental Health Issue.
- Ability to build strong relationships with young people
- Flexible to meet the needs of the business.

**Working hours**:

- 10 hours per week - flexible working over evenings and weekends
- Saturday working is essential between 1pm and 9pm

**Remuneration package**

**Hourly pay**: between £11.44 - £12.24 (depending on experience)

**Holidays**:33 days inclusive of 8 Bank Holidays (prorated for part time staff)

**Pension**: Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone operates a workplace pension scheme with Royal London for auto-enrolment purposes. You will contribute 5% of your gross earnings whilst the Youth Zone will contribute 3%. If you meet the criteria you will be auto-enrolled into the scheme within 3 months of commencement of your employment although you have the option to opt-out if you so wish.

**Other Benefits**
- Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 Support and Advice)
- FairQuid (Financial Wellbeing Support)
- Think Therapy (Mental Health Support)
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity/Adoption Pay
- Birthday leave

The Youth Zone welcomes applicants from all sectors of the community.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: £8.60-£11.44 per hour

Expected hours: 10 per week

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Enhanced maternity leave

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability

Work Location: In person