Kitchen Assistant

Healthcare Ireland Group; Ballymena; On-site; GBP 10,000 - GBP 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A local healthcare provider is seeking a Kitchen Assistant in Ballymena to ensure smooth kitchen operations, including meal preparation and adherence to food safety standards. The ideal candidate will have previous kitchen experience and a good knowledge of food safety practices. Benefits include competitive pay, ongoing professional development, and a values-led culture that recognizes employee contributions. The position offers hourly pay of £12.21 with additional benefits such as paid leave and opportunities for progression.

Benefits

Paid annual leave

Continuous professional development

Enhanced overtime rates

Opportunities for progression

Uniforms and PPE provided

Free parking

Qualifications

• Right to Work in the UK.
• Good standard of both verbal and written English.
• Previous catering, kitchen or food preparation experience.
• Good knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals in accordance with company standards.
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen and service areas.
• Ensure proper storage of catering stock and equipment.
• Deliver meals to various areas in a timely manner.
• Assist with basic food preparation.
• Complete cleaning duties per company guidelines.

Skills

Catering and kitchen experience

Food safety and hygiene practices

Verbal and written English

Job description

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. We are unconditionally dedicated to providing palliative, end‑of‑life, and physical disability care, which is highly regarded in our local area. The bed capacity is currently 37 and will expand to 63 on completion of our extension next month. Our open‑house policy allows families and friends to visit anytime, creating a true home atmosphere for residents and their loved ones.

The Role

The Kitchen Assistants play a key role in ensuring the smooth and safe operation of our kitchens. Reported to the Chef, the role is more than preparing and serving meals; it involves supporting dietary needs and maintaining a safe, positive working environment for all staff and residents.

About The Role

Responsibilities include preparing and serving meals, ensuring stock and equipment are stored correctly, maintaining kitchen and service area cleanliness, and following safe catering and statutory regulations. All tasks are carried out in accordance with company standards and with the Chef’s guidance.

Main Responsibilities

• Ensures that all catering stock and equipment is correctly stored and accounted for in accordance with the company’s Assured Safe Catering standards.
• Delivers meals and other catering supplies to various areas within the unit in a timely and efficient manner.
• Assists with basic preparation of food items under direction.
• Ensures all cleaning within the kitchen, catering, and servary areas (as appropriate) is completed in accordance with the company’s standards.
• Maintains a clean and tidy environment throughout the home and ensures work processes comply with statutory regulations.
• Undertakes any other duties reasonably required by the Chef or Cook.

The Benefits

• Paid annual leave
• Chance to be part of a growing healthcare company
• Continuous professional development and training
• Values‑led culture
• Enhanced overtime rates
• Opportunities for progression
• Possible pension plan (if applicable)
• Attractive hourly rate
• NI fee paid for
• Uniforms and PPE provided
• Monthly incentive and recognition awards
• Free parking

We do not offer sponsorship for this role.

Healthcare Ireland is an equal‑opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons.

Required Criteria

• Right to Work in the UK
• Good standard of both verbal and written English
• Previous catering, kitchen or food preparation experience
• Good knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices

Desired Criteria

• Previous experience in a care home or healthcare environment

About The Company

Healthcare Ireland Group is passionate about providing the highest standards of care in safe, positive and. We are committed to an engaging, professional workplace that encourages personal and professional development. Our culture is driven by care, teamwork and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of residents, families and staff alike.

Company Benefits

• Retirement plan and/or pension
• Employee development programmes
• Free parking
• Competitive salary
• Social opportunities
• Employee recognition scheme
• Culture of recognition
• On‑the‑job learning

Salary

£12.21 per hour