Homeless Connect
Community Chef
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Company Description
Homeless Connect is the membership and representation body for the homelessness sector in Northern Ireland, providing training, networking opportunities, and a collective voice for organizations working to end homelessness. The organization advocates on behalf of its members and people using homelessness services, influencing policy and practice to improve outcomes. Homeless Connect also delivers direct support through initiatives such as FareShare NI and Home Starter Packs, ensuring essential food and household items reach those who need them most. In addition, it supports the Regional Service User Network, enabling people with lived experience of homelessness to shape services and strategy.
Job Purpose
The Community Chef will lead the day-to-day operation of Homeless Connect FareShare’s Community Kitchen, creating a welcoming, inclusive and engaging environment where individuals and groups can learn, connect and develop practical food skills.
Working creatively with surplus and donated food wherever possible, the postholder will design and deliver cooking programmes, demonstrations, community meals, training activities and events that promote healthy eating, reduce food waste and build confidence in preparing nutritious meals.
The Community Chef will support the development of the Community Kitchen and Training Hub as a centre for community learning, volunteering, corporate engagement and income-generating activities. Working closely with participants, Community Food Members, volunteers, corporate partners and other stakeholders, the postholder will contribute to Homeless Connect’s wider mission of reducing food insecurity, poverty and homelessness across Northern Ireland.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
1. Community Kitchen Operations
- Lead the day-to-day operation of the Community Kitchen, ensuring it is welcoming, inclusive, safe and accessible.
- Plan, prepare and deliver meals, cooking demonstrations, training activities and community events.
- Develop menus and recipes that maximise the use of surplus food, promote healthy eating and reduce food waste.
- Plan, prepare and deliver meals, catering, corporate lunches and hospitality services using surplus food, supporting community programmes, organisational activities and income generation.
- Manage food stock, storage, equipment and kitchen resources in line with operational requirements.
2. Cooking Skills, Training and Community Engagement
- Design and deliver cooking classes, workshops and food education programmes for individuals, community groups and Community Food Members.
- Support participants to develop practical cooking, budgeting, meal planning and food management skills.
- Promote healthy eating, food confidence and healthier lifestyles through engaging, practical learning opportunities.
- Work with partner organisations to develop targeted programmes and community engagement activities.
- Encourage participation, wellbeing and social connection through food-focused activities and events.
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3. Corporate Engagement and Income Generation
- Support the delivery of corporate volunteering, team building and engagement activities within the Community Kitchen and Training Hub.
- Deliver food-based workshops, demonstrations and learning experiences for corporate and community groups.
- Assist in the development of food-related services, events and initiatives that generate income and support organisational sustainability.
- Promote the impact of surplus food redistribution and community food programmes to corporate partners and visitors.
4. Volunteer Support
- Support, supervise and develop volunteers involved in Community Kitchen activities.
- Provide training, guidance and learning opportunities that build volunteer confidence, skills and experience.
- Promote a positive, inclusive and rewarding volunteering experience.
5. Food Safety and Good Practice
- Ensure compliance with food safety, food hygiene and health and safety standards within the Community Kitchen.
- Maintain required records, undertake routine checks and ensure the safe handling, storage and preparation of food.
- Promote good practice in food safety and hygiene amongst participants, volunteers and visitors.
6. Community Food Member Support
- Build positive relationships with Community Food Members across Northern Ireland and support the effective use of surplus food through practical advice, demonstrations and skills-sharing activities.
- Conduct monitoring visits and provide guidance on food safety, food handling and FareShare membership requirements.
- Support the onboarding of new Community Food Members and maintain accurate records of visits, feedback and actions.
- Contribute to initiatives that strengthen community outcomes and maximise the impact of surplus food redistribution.
7. Monitoring and Reporting
- Maintain records of activities, participation and outcomes.
- Gather participant feedback, case studies and impact information.
- Contribute to reports for management, funders and stakeholders.
- Support the achievement of organisational targets and the continuous improvement of Community Kitchen activities.
8. General Duties
- Contribute to the wider work and objectives of Homeless Connect and FareShare.
- Work in accordance with organisational policies, procedures and values.
- Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding in all aspects of the role.
- Participate in supervision, appraisal, training and professional development.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role as required by the Community Programmes & Engagement Manager, Head of Operations or Chief Executive Officer.
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Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- At least two years’ experience working as a chef, cook or catering professional.
- Experience of planning and preparing meals in a professional kitchen environment.
- Experience of maintaining high standards of food hygiene and food safety.
- Experience of working with volunteers, trainees, community/ corporate groups or members of the public.
- Full current driving licence or access to transport suitable for the requirements of the post.
Essential Skills and Knowledge
- Strong practical cooking skills and knowledge of food preparation techniques.
- Ability to create nutritious meals using a variety of ingredients, including surplus food.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to deliver training, demonstrations and group activities.
- Good organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications.
Essential Requirements
- Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain before commencement).
- GCSE English and Mathematics (or equivalent).
Essential Qualities
- Understanding of, and enthusiasm for, Homeless Connect’s mission and strategy.
- Commitment to continuing personal development.
- A flexible, non-judgemental and collaborative approach to people and work.
- Passion for reducing food waste and tackling food insecurity.
- Commitment to community development and social inclusion.
- Enthusiastic, flexible and approachable manner.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and safeguarding.
- Ability to motivate and support people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Desirable Criteria
- Professional cookery qualification (NVQ, City & Guilds or equivalent).
- Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Experience of delivering cooking classes, training or community programmes.
- Experience of working within the voluntary, community or social enterprise sector.
- Experience of supervising volunteers.
- Knowledge of nutrition and healthy eating principles.
- Experience of conducting audits, compliance monitoring visits, inspections or quality assurance reviews.
- Knowledge of food safety legislation, HACCP principles and food storage requirements.
- Experience of working with community organisations, charities or food redistribution programmes.
Why Join Homeless Connect
This is an exciting new role within Homeless Connect, which you can foster and customise.
- Contribute to a dynamic team that is working to alleviate homelessness and poverty.
- Avail of competitive benefit package and career development opportunities.
- Homeless Connect promotes an equal and inclusive working environment and supports both personal and professional growth.
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