Jobs

We are seeking 2x passionate and dedicated cooks to join our vibrant team. 1x 37 hour post and 1x 20 hour post. This is more than a cooking role, it is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of individuals accessing the service by creating nutritious enjoyable meals that support their health, wellbeing, and independence.

WHAT IS INVOLVED
As the cook you will be responsible for planning and preparing meals that meet dietary needs, cultural preferences, and individual tastes, you will work closely with support staff and service users, involving them in meal choices.

Our Team is a warm, and person- centred group of professionals committed to empowering individual. We work collaboratively across disciplines to provide holistic support, and food plays a vital role in our approach to wellbeing and community. You will be joining a team that values respect, creativity, and compassion.

Successful candidate will be;

• Planning and preparing balanced, appealing meals for service users.
• Catering for a range of dietary requirements including, allergies, diabetes, and cultural preferences
• Maintaining high standards of hygiene and food safety in line with regulations
• Supporting service users in food- related activities to promote independence.
• Managing Kitchen supplies and adhering to budgets efficiently
• Working with support staff to ensure meals align with individual care plans.

 
WHAT WILL I NEED

• Key Qualifications and Experience.
• Level 2 food Hygiene Certificate
• Experience cooking in a care, education, or community setting.
• Knowledge of nutrition and dietary needs, especially in relation to learning disabilities.
• Skills and Qualities include.
• Compassionate and person- centred in approach
• Organised and reliable with good time management
• Creative, able to adapt meals to suit individua needs and preferences.
• Team player with excellent communication skills
• Flexible, able to respond to changing needs and routines
• Respectful and inclusive, valuing the input and dignity of every individual

 
We encourage you to contact Michelle Pyman at michelle.pyman@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role. Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria. 

INTERVIEWS 
Interviews will be held week commencing 23rd March 2026.
 
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
 
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable.
Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
 
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
  
HOW TO APPLY 
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website 
 
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentAHS@durham.gov.uk
 
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
 
 
CONNECT WITH US
Follow us on Instagram 
Like us on Facebook 
Visit our website 

#VPRS/161

Company: Durham County Council

Salary: £25,583 - £26,824

Location: Durham, Durham

Sector: Education

Job Role: Teaching Assistant