Cook - Supported Living Options

Holywood, Co. Down £13.45 per hour | 30 hours per week | Permanent

Staffline Recruitment Ireland is currently recruiting on behalf of our client, for a Cook to join a residential living service in Holywood, Co. Down. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced cook who is passionate about providing nutritious, high-quality meals and making a positive difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities and complex needs.

About the Role

As Cook, you will be responsible for preparing meals, snacks and refreshments for residents within a small residential home environment. You will work closely with the management team to develop menus that meet residents' dietary requirements, preferences and any Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) recommendations, while maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene and kitchen safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare varied, nutritious meals and snacks.
• Develop four-weekly menus in consultation with residents and management.
• Maintain food hygiene standards in line with Food Standards Agency requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with HACCP procedures.
• Monitor stock levels and order catering supplies.
• Manage kitchen budgets alongside management.
• Maintain accurate temperature and food safety records.
• Ensure cleanliness and safe operation of all kitchen equipment and food storage areas.
• Support health and safety, infection control and food hygiene procedures at all times.
• Attend role-specific and mandatory training as required.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate one of the following:

• Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification (or equivalent) and at least 6 months' experience preparing food in a commercial/professional kitchen environment; OR
• A minimum of 1 year's experience working as a Cook in a commercial/professional kitchen environment.

In addition, candidates should have:

• Experience maintaining kitchen hygiene and safety standards.
• The ability to work independently.
• Experience planning menus and managing kitchen supplies and stock control.

Desirable

• Experience planning and preparing healthy meals within a care setting, including awareness of specialist dietary and SaLT recommendations.

Working Hours

• 30 hours per week
• 6 hours per day, 5 days per week
• Typically Monday to Friday, with flexibility considered and discussed at interview.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive benefits package, including:

• 5.6 weeks annual leave, increasing with service.
• Paid breaks.
• Enhanced bank holiday rates.
• Pension scheme.
• Health Cashback Scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP support.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Recognition and reward programmes.
• Refer-a-Friend bonus scheme.
• Discounts at leading high street and online retailers.

Additional Information

• Applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK.
• Successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced Access NI check.
• Please note that sponsorship is not available for this role.