Relief Kitchen Assistant - Our Ladys
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 be part of an award-winning team valued for your contribution. There are opportunities for career development and a friendly and rewarding working environment. We would love to hear from you if you are a compassionate person who cares with a heart.
Our Lady's Care Home, based in Belfast, is currently seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Kitchen Assistant to join our kitchen team on a full-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.
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 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 wellbeing initiatives, including team-building initiatives.
Free car parking and uniform*
Incentives for employee referrals*
*T&Cs will apply.
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 do not hesitate to submit your application promptly.
In addition, we also reserve the right to enhance 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.
Macklin Care Homes is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
What you will need
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.
Macklin Care Homes
At Macklin Care Homes, our mission is to be a forward-thinking provider dedicated to looking after people extremely well. We believe in offering more than just care; we have a genuine warmth and put compassion into everything we do. Every day, we go above and beyond to create a supportive, caring environment where people feel truly valued. Above all, we are driven by a simple but powerful truth: We really do care.

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! 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.
We have 6 Care Homes based throughout Northern Ireland:

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!
Our benefits
As a family-run organisation, we live and breathe our core values of treating people really well, trust, dedication and continuous development. Once you join us, you not only become a member of the team but a member of our family. Caring with heart is at the core of everything we do – with our residents and team members.
Retirement plan and/or pension
Employee development programs
Free parking
Referral bonus
Competitive salary
Long service recognition
Social Opportunities
Employee of the Month
Culture of recognition
Progression opportunities
Staff celebration events
Company employee App
Relief Kitchen Assistant - Our Ladys
At Macklin Care Homes, our mission is to be a forward-thinking provider dedicated to looking after people extremely well. We believe in offering more than just care; we have a genuine warmth and put compassion into everything we do. Every day, we go above and beyond to create a supportive, caring environment where people feel truly valued. Above all, we are driven by a simple but powerful truth: We really do care.