Cook

Spa-Nursing-Home-Group-Ltd; Ballynahinch; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 19,000; Part time

Job summary

Spa-Nursing-Home-Group-Ltd is seeking a part-time Cook for 25.5 hours per week at Oakridge Care Home in Ballynahinch. You will cook nutritious meals, supervise kitchen helpers, and ensure meals meet dietary needs while upholding hygiene and safety standards.

Responsibilities include stock management, menu planning, and completing food safety records in line with COSHH and HACCP requirements. Candidates should have a Basic Food Hygiene certificate (or willing to obtain) and UK work eligibility.

Qualifications

• Compassion, understanding and positivity in supporting residents’ nutritional needs.
• Experience in cooking, ideally within a care setting or catering environment.
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (or willing to obtain).
• Understanding of dietary requirements e.g. IDDSI, allergen, diabetes etc.
• A commitment to hygiene, food safety and statutory regulations.
• Organisational skills for stock management, waste control and menu planning.
• Eligibility to live and work in the UK.
• Medical fitness to carry out physical requirements of the role.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals & snacks tailored to residents’ dietary needs with high quality.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in all food prep and storage areas.
• Manage stock, order supplies and control waste for cost efficiency.
• Plan varied and balanced menus; supervise kitchen assistants as needed.
• Complete food safety paperwork and ensure COSHH/HACCP compliance.

Skills

Compassion

Cooking experience

Basic Food Hygiene

Dietary requirements

Hygiene & safety

Stock management

UK work eligibility

Medical fitness

Education

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Cook (Part Time)

About Us

For over twenty years, we have taken great pride in providing exceptional care to our residents. Each person in our homes is valued as an individual and we are committed to fostering a warm, supportive and inclusive community where everyone feels cherished and respected.

A career in care goes beyond the care team itself—it takes a dedicated support network to ensure our homes run smoothly and remain a safe, welcoming environment. We believe that compassion, understanding and positivity are not only the key traits we look for in our team—but also the values we live by in supporting our employees.

We are proud of our outstanding team and passionate about developing our people. As an Opening Doors employer with Business in the Community Northern Ireland, we are committed to making our workplaces more inclusive and connecting untapped talent through underrepresented groups. We encourage continuous learning through training, external development opportunities and financial support for further education.

About the role

About the Role

This role is for 25.5 hours per week.

Oakridge Care Home, located on the Magheraknock Road, Ballynahinch, caters for up to residents requiring frail elderly care.

As a Cook, you will play a vital role in ensuring residents receive nutritious, high-quality meals tailored to their dietary needs. You will be responsible for preparing meals & snacks in line with residents’ dietary requirements while maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in all food preparation and storage areas. Managing stock efficiently, ordering supplies and controlling waste will be key aspects of the role, ensuring cost-effectiveness and sustainability. You will plan varied and balanced menus that accommodate dietary restrictions and likes, while also providing clear instruction and supervision to any kitchen assistants. In addition, you will complete necessary paperwork, including food safety records and compliance documentation, ensuring adherence to statutory regulations such as COSHH and HACCP.

About You

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who take pride in their culinary skills and are passionate about delivering high-quality care through food. The most important qualities we look for are:

• Compassion, understanding and positivity in supporting residents’ nutritional needs.
• Experience in cooking, ideally within a care setting or catering environment.
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (or willing to obtain).
• Understanding of dietary requirements e.g. IDDSI, allergen, diabetes etc.
• A commitment to hygiene, food safety and compliance with statutory regulations.
• Organisational skills for stock management, waste control and menu planning.
• Eligibility to live and work in the UK.
• Medical fitness to carry out physical requirements of the role.

What We Offer

• A welcoming and inclusive workplace where your contributions are valued.
• A competitive salary of £13.80 per hour (paid weekly).
• Training and development opportunities to help you grow in your career.
• Supportive leadership and a team that cares about your well-being.

Additional Information

Interviews may take place via video call.

This role involves substantial access to vulnerable adults. The successful candidate will be offered the position subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI. Regulated posts will also require a check of the adult barred list.

Spa Nursing Group is an equal opportunities employer. We wholeheartedly support Equality and Diversity in employment and oppose all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination.

About the company

Spa Nursing Home Group provides compassionate, person-centered care across a network of residential and nursing homes. Guided by our values of compassion, understanding and positivity we support older adults and individuals with complex needs to live with dignity and joy. Our specialist branch, Town & Country Care Homes, offers tailored support for people with learning disabilities, ensuring every individual thrives in a safe and nurturing environment.

Required Criteria

• Compassion, understanding and positivity in supporting residents’ nutritional needs.
• Experience in cooking, ideally within a care setting or catering environment.
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (or willing to obtain).
• Understanding of dietary requirements e.g. IDDSI, allergen, diabetes etc.
• A commitment to hygiene, food safety and compliance with statutory regulations.
• Organisational skills for stock management, waste control and menu planning.
• Eligibility to live and work in the UK.
• Medical fitness to carry out physical requirements of the role.