Kitchen Assistant (Part-time opportunity)

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.

Arlington Care Home , based in Belfast is currently seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Kitchen Assistant to join our kitchen team on a part-time basis. The successful candidate will assist in preparing nutritious meals for residents while gaining valuable experience in food preparation, kitchen operations, and hygiene standards.

The successful candidate will be required to work 2 days per week as follows: Thursday and Friday, followed by Saturday and Sunday as part of a rolling rota. The working hours will be 8am to 2pm.

About The Role

Key Responsibilities:

• 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:

To reward the demanding work of our fantastic colleagues, we offer an excellent benefits package as follows:

• 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*

*T&Cs will apply.

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.

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.

Required 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.

Skills Needed

About The Company

Macklin Care Homes – Caring with Heart for Over 30 Years

For over 30 years, Macklin Care Homes have been dedicated to providing exceptional care. We bring decades of experience, knowledge, and expertise to every individual we support. But we are not just another care home—we are family-first. Everyone who comes through our doors—residents, staff, relatives, and suppliers—is treated as part of one big caring community.

We proudly operate six care homes across Northern Ireland:

• Arlington, Our Lady's, and Parkmanor Oaks – Belfast

• Milesian Manor – Magherafelt

• Ratheane – Coleraine

• Leabank – Ballycastle

Our vision is to make a genuine, positive impact on the lives of people in our local communities. We strive to be the trusted care provider that families choose with confidence. Through dedication, passion, and commitment, we care with heart—creating an environment where people feel safe, loved, and respected.

At Macklin Care Homes, we aim to be the preferred choice in the community—where families know their loved ones are in the best hands.

Company Culture

Make a Real Difference – Join Macklin Care Homes

Do you want to make a genuine difference in the lives of others? At Macklin Care Homes, we are always looking for passionate, caring individuals to join our team—and in return, we will help bring out the very best in you.

As part of our award-winning team, you will be valued for your contribution and supported with opportunities for career development, all within a friendly and rewarding working environment.

Our residents are at the heart of everything we do. We are inspired by their stories, their experiences, and the knowledge that our care truly makes a difference in their lives.

Guided by a strong set of core values, we cultivate a culture of respect, dedication, and compassion. These values ensure that residents and their families remain at the centre of all our efforts.

We are proud of the positive, caring culture we live by every day. If you are compassionate, committed, and care with heart, we would love to hear from you. Join us, and be part of a team that truly makes a difference.

For all recruitment-related enquiries, please contact our Recruitment Team at: View email address on seemehired.com

Company Benefits

A Family-Run Organisation That Cares with Heart

As a family-run organisation, we live and breathe our core values: treating people really well, trust, dedication, and continuous development. When you join Macklin Care Homes, you don’t just become part of a team—you become part of our family.

Caring with heart is at the centre of everything we do, for both our residents and our team members. It’s this commitment to compassion, respect, and support that makes our homes a truly special place to live and work.

Vacation, Paid time off, Retirement plan and/or pension, Employee development programs, Free parking, Referral bonus, Competitive salary, Long service recognition, Free parking or Discounted parking , Employee Assistance Scheme, Work With Charities, Social Opportunities, Employee of the Month, Employee Recognition Scheme, Culture of recognition, Progression opportunities, Staff celebration events

Salary

£12.80 per year