Cook – Youth Justice, Bangor

Location: Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre, Bangor
Pay: Approx. £13.75 per hour + 15% rota premium + £725 annual Secure Unit Allowance (pro rata)
Hours: 37 hours per week | Rota basis
Contract: Temporary assignment – 28 October 2026 to 31 March 2027
Positions: 1

JDR Recruitment is recruiting an experienced Cook for a Northern Ireland Civil Service assignment with the Department of Justice / Youth Justice Agency at Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre.

The successful candidate will support the catering operation, preparing meals and helping deliver an effective food service within a secure residential environment.

The Role

You will:

• Prepare meals within the catering department.

• Assist in providing a comprehensive range of menus and meal requirements.

• Support the monitoring of catering-service expenditure.

• Manage and supervise staff within your area of responsibility.

• Help ensure an effective and consistent catering service.

• Apply relevant Youth Justice Agency HR policies, procedures and practices for staff under your supervision.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must have:

• Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery or City & Guilds 705 and 706, or equivalent.

• Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification.

• At least 2 years’ experience working professionally in a Cook position.

Working Pattern

The role averages 37 hours per week on a rota.

Core hours are generally 9am-5pm, however candidates must be available to work weekends and public holidays as required.

A 15% rota premium is payable due to the shift pattern, along with a £725 per annum Secure Unit Allowance, paid pro rata monthly.

Security Clearance

The successful candidate will be required to complete the relevant pre-employment checks and obtain Basic security clearance.

JDRBelfast