Job Description
Are you an experienced Cook with a passion for food?
The Home
Slemish Nursing Home was built over 35 years ago and is located at the edge of Ballymena with a short walking distance to all the local churches and shops. Our care team has a long-standing reputation in the Ballymena area for delivering excellent Nursing Care in a homely, friendly, professional environment, led by a manager of over 20 years’ experience working within the care home. We are unconditionally dedicated to providing Palliative, End of Life, and Physical Disability Care in which we take great pride, and this is very much recognised throughout our local area. The bed capacity is currently 37 and this will extend to 63 beds on the completion of our extension next month. We believe that you will feel the warmth of a welcome from our team – to our residents, families, and friends, with our ‘Open House’ policy to ensure family and friends can visit any time and have the personal experience of a ‘feeling of home’.
The Role
The food our residents eat plays a key part in the care we offer and as a result, the role of Cook is essential in our mission to provide excellent care. The Cook works closely with the Chef, supporting with menu planning, meal preparation, kitchen management and ensuring compliance with the necessary regulatory standards.
The Cook has a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of our residents through the provision of high-quality, person-centred dining experiences.
This role is about a lot more than preparing meals, this role is essential in ensuring the dietary needs of our residents are met in addition to managing a safe and positive working environment for the team.
#INDA
About The Role
Main Responsibilities
* Support the kitchen team along with the Chef, providing the necessary training and support, encouraging development, motivation and best practice.
* Effective and efficient planning, preparation, and delivery of all aspects of food preparation and cooking
* Ensuring operational standards comply
* Assist with monitoring the home’s catering budget
* Assist with developing and creating varied and interesting menus
* Ensure that stock ordering and rotation is organised in an efficient and cost-effective manner
* Undertake any other duties that may be reasonably required as designated by the Home Manager.
The Benefits:
* Paid annual leave
* The chance to be part of a growing healthcare company
* 4 weekly pay
* Continuous professional development and training
* Values-led culture
* Overtime available at an enhanced rate
* Opportunities for progression
* Pension plan (if applicable)
* Attractive hourly rate
* Access NI fee paid for
* Uniforms and PPE provided
* Monthly incentives and recognition awards
* Free parking
We do not offer sponsorship for this role .
Healthcare Ireland are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.
Skills Needed
About The Company
We are passionate about providing the highest standards of care in safe, positive and flexible environments, which enable each person who uses our services to achieve their potential. We are committed to providing each employee with a fulfilling working environment, encouraging personal and professional development. We aim to be a first class, independent organisation delivering innovative, collaborative and value for money services.
Our ultimate purpose is to work with the people who use our services and their families and friends, to enable them to take control of their lives.
Company Culture
We’re always on the look out for people who care, whether that’s caring for our residents, or in one of our roles like laundry, kitchen, administration or maintenance.
Our passionate, ever-growing team means that you’ll be working with people who pride themselves on the work they do. Each of our Homes and our Head Office work together to achieve something excellent that truly makes a difference in people’s lives.
Caring for our residents is at the heart of all we do, and we’d love to have you join the team.
Desired Criteria
* Experience in a care home or healthcare environment is desirable but not essential.
Required Criteria
* Right to Work in the UK.
* Minimum 2 years’ experience as Cook in a food preparation/ kitchen environment or a similar role.
* Hold a basic Food Safety certificate.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
* Basic understanding of the dietary needs, nutritional and cultural requirements of elderly people.
* The ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
* Have basic knowledge of HACCP, COSHH and Health and Safety.
Closing DateSaturday 21st June, 2025