At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prepare nutritious meals and maintain kitchen hygiene in a caring environment.
- Company: Join Macklin Care Homes, a family-first care provider with over 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible shifts, career development, and discounts at Malone Hotel.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while gaining valuable kitchen experience.
- Qualifications: Kitchen experience preferred; must be compassionate and able to communicate with the elderly.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning team that values your contribution and offers growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 14 £ per hour.
Can you make a real difference in the lives of others? We are looking to hire exceptional talent to work in care; in return, we will bring out the best in you. At Macklin Care Homes, you will work as part of an award-winning team valued for your contribution. There are opportunities for career development and a friendly and rewarding working environment. If you are a compassionate person who cares with heart, we would love to hear from you.
Our Lady's Care Home (Belfast) is currently seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Kitchen Assistant to join our kitchen team. The successful candidate will assist in preparing nutritious meals for residents while gaining valuable experience in food preparation, kitchen operations, and hygiene standards.
About The Role
- Assisting in the preparation of meals as directed by the chef or kitchen supervisor.
- Preparing basic dishes such as salads, sandwiches, and soups.
- Ensuring meals are portioned appropriately and according to dietary requirements (e.g., low-sodium, diabetic-friendly).
- Helping to serve meals to residents or in dining areas.
- Maintaining high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen.
- Following food safety guidelines, including proper food storage and labelling.
- Complying with care home policies and health regulations.
- Reporting any issues related to equipment, cleanliness, or safety.
Ideal Candidate:
- Kitchen experience in a similar position or environment.
- Ability to communicate with the elderly.
- Ability to work set hours and be flexible to meet the needs of the organisation.
- Be in good general health (medically fit).
Company Benefits:
- Collaborating with an award-winning team with family values.
- A comprehensive paid induction programme.
- A wide variety of training is provided.
- Career development opportunities.
- Flexibility of shifts.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Discounted rates at Malone Hotel, Belfast.
- Health and well-being initiatives, including team-building initiatives.
- Free car parking and uniform.
- Incentives for employee referrals.
Please note we will only accept up-to-date CVs - without this, an interview cannot be given. We do not offer sponsorship for this role - if you require sponsorship, your application will be automatically declined. Please consider this carefully before applying. Interviews may take place before the job advertisement closes, as and when suitable applications are received. If a suitable candidate is appointed, the role may close early. Therefore, please submit your application promptly without hesitation.
Additionally, we reserve the right to modify the criteria at the shortlisting stage. Successful candidates must be willing to register with NISCC. An Enhanced Access NI Check will be required for this post. If successful, please be aware that we do have a policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders. As per the Access NI Code of Practice, Macklin Care Homes also has a policy on the secure handling, use, storage, and retention of disclosure information. Copies of these documents, along with the Access NI Code of Practice, are available upon request by contacting the HR Department.
It is Macklin Care Homes' Policy that any existence of a criminal conviction will not necessarily lead to the withdrawal of a job offer, but the failure to disclose all criminal convictions fully and accurately will lead to the withdrawal of a job offer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve. Macklin Care Homes is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Skills Needed
About The Company
Macklin Care Homes have been caring for people for over 30 years. We have taken our experience over all those years to bring the very best of our knowledge and our expertise to you. We are not just another Care Home, we are family-first and treat everyone we come into contact with as one of our very own. From staff to residents, to relatives and suppliers – we are all one big caring community! We have 6 Care Homes based throughout Northern Ireland: Arlington, Our Lady's and Parkmanor Oaks, Belfast; Milesian Manor, Magherafelt; Ratheane, Coleraine; Leabank, Ballycastle.
Our vision is to have a real, positive impact on the lives of people within our local community. We aim to be the trusted provider for care that families choose with confidence. Through our dedication, passion and commitment, we care with heart, creating an environment where people feel safe, loved and respected. Our vision is for Macklin Care Homes to be the preferred choice in the community—where people know they are in the best hands.
Company Culture
Can you make a real difference to the lives of others? We are always looking to recruit great people to work in care, and in return, we will bring out the best in you! At Macklin Care Homes, you will work as part of an award-winning team who are valued for their contribution, with opportunities for career development, as well as a friendly and rewarding working environment. Our residents are at the heart of our homes; we are inspired not only by their stories and experiences of years gone by but also by knowing we are making a real difference in their lives. We are guided by a strong set of core values that shape everything we do. These values help us build a culture of respect, care and dedication, ensuring that our residents and their families are always at the centre of our efforts. We are proud of our values and unique positive culture that we live by each and every day.
If you are a compassionate person who cares with heart, we would love to hear from you!
Desired Criteria
- Good command of spoken and written English.
- Right to work and live in the UK.
- High attention to detail.
- Understanding of food hygiene and safety standards.
Closing Date: Saturday 31st January, 2026.
Relief Kitchen Assistant - Our Ladys in Belfast employer: Macklin Care Homes
Contact Detail:
Macklin Care Homes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Kitchen Assistant - Our Ladys in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Macklin Care Homes. Understand their values and what makes them tick. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their caring community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or family member. Think about how your past experiences relate to the role of Kitchen Assistant. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll come across during the actual interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even though it’s a kitchen role, looking smart and presentable can make a great first impression. It shows that you respect the opportunity and are serious about joining the team at Our Lady's.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision. Plus, it’s a nice touch that reflects your caring nature!
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Kitchen Assistant - Our Ladys in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Kitchen Assistant role. Highlight any relevant kitchen experience and skills that match what we're looking for, like food hygiene knowledge and ability to work with the elderly.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you're passionate about working in care and how you can make a difference in our residents' lives. Keep it friendly and genuine, just like us!
Follow the Application Guidelines: We only accept up-to-date CVs, so double-check yours before sending it in. Also, remember to apply through our website to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups!
Be Prompt and Prepared: Don't wait until the last minute to apply! We might close the role early if we find the right candidate. So, get your application in quickly and be ready for an interview if we reach out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macklin Care Homes
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards. Familiarise yourself with basic meal preparation techniques and dietary requirements, as these are key aspects of the role. Showing that you understand these concepts will impress the interviewers.
✨Show Your Compassion
Since this role involves working with the elderly, it's essential to convey your compassion and empathy during the interview. Share any relevant experiences where you've made a difference in someone's life, whether in a professional or personal setting. This will highlight your suitability for the caring environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they ensure high standards of hygiene in the kitchen. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the workplace aligns with your values.
✨Be Flexible and Positive
Demonstrate your flexibility regarding working hours and shifts, as this is crucial in a care home setting. A positive attitude can go a long way, so express your enthusiasm for the role and your willingness to adapt to the needs of the organisation. It reflects your commitment to being a valuable team member.