About COPE Galway
COPE Galway has been providing essential social services in Galway for 60 years. We respond to the needs of people experiencing homelessness, women and children subjected to domestic abuse, and we support older people towards healthy, independent ageing. Our vision is for a community where every person is valued, cared for, and supported at every stage of life.
COPE Galway is deeply embedded in the Galway community. We are founded on the belief that together we can make a positive difference in the lives of the people we serve and our community.
Our People
Our People, COPE Galway staff and volunteers, are the driving force behind everything we do. Their passion, commitment, and professionalism enable us to deliver a wide range of services, support more people, and make a real impact in the community.
We have a diverse range of roles, from frontline support workers and social care professionals to catering, community engagement and other professional roles. Each role is crucial in ensuring we deliver our services
effectively and make a positive impact in the community.
Working with COPE Galway
Joining our team means you will make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of the families and individuals we support and contribute to driving meaningful social change in the community. Whether you are a frontline worker directly supporting clients or in an administrative role, you are vital to our efforts to address critical issues like homelessness and domestic abuse and to ensure that older people are valued and supported.
At COPE Galway, we prioritise the development and wellbeing of our people. We offer a supportive work environment, with opportunities for ongoing training, personal and professional growth, and leadership development.
Our Culture
We foster an inclusive, supportive and respectful workplace, where diversity is valued. Our team is united by a shared mission and a genuine passion for empowering people and creating meaningful change. We take a trauma-informed approach to the way we work and foster this culture in every aspect of the organisation, including a focus on the health and wellbeing of our staff.
Key Terms
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
Hours: 37/week
Location: Ballybane, Galway
The Role
We are seeking a Chef/Cook (Supporting Role) to join our friendly and mission-driven kitchen team. Working under the guidance of our senior chefs, you will support the preparation of nutritious meals that make a meaningful difference to older people across Galway.
This role is ideal for someone who wants to grow and develop professionally, learn about medically related dietary needs, and work in a warm, supportive, and community-focused environment.
Responsibilities
Working closely with senior chefs, you will:
· Support day-to-day kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, portioning, and packaging meals.
· Maintain high standards of food quality, hygiene, and safety
· Learn about specialised nutritional requirements for older people and those living with chronic illness
· Assist with inventory management and organisation of stock
· Help ensure compliance with food safety and health & safety regulations
· Contribute to a positive and supportive workplace environment that values people, learning, and community impact
· Participate in continuous improvement, offering ideas to enhance efficiency, quality, and customer experience
Skills/competencies
· Has a passion for food, social impact, and working with people
· Enjoys being part of a collaborative kitchen team
· Is eager to learn and develop professionally
· Can prioritise tasks and meet deadlines
· Is proactive, adaptable, and motivated
· Acts professionally and is aligned with the values and ethos of COPE Galway and Meals4Health
· Has good communication and interpersonal skills
· Basic IT skills (Microsoft Office)
Education and Training
- A culinary qualification or relevant Level 6 NFQ major award is desirable
- Evidence of ongoing training and upskilling
What we are offering
· The chance to be part of an award-winning social enterprise making a real difference in the community
· A friendly, supportive, and inclusive workplace where people genuinely care about the mission
· Opportunities for career growth and professional development in culinary skills, nutrition, and medically related diets
· 23 days annual leave plus public holidays
· Trauma-informed practice training
· Bike to Work Scheme, discounted gym membership, and other staff benefits
Equal Opportunity Employer
COPE Galway is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process and working environments for all our employees.
Data Privacy and Applicant Declaration
The information you provide in this application form will be processed in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Your personal data will be used solely for the purpose of assessing your suitability for the role and, where applicable, to prepare an employment agreement. Your data will be stored securely and accessed only by authorized personnel involved in the recruitment process. We will retain your information only for as long as necessary to fulfill these purposes or as required by law. You have the right to access, rectify, or request the deletion of your personal data at any time by contacting Data Protection Officer, [email protected] / 091 778 750.
Please note that we will never ask for payment or personal financial information during the hiring process. If anyone contacts you requesting such information, it is a scam and should be reported immediately.
By submitting this application, I confirm that all information provided by me in this application and any accompanying documents is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I further confirm that I have disclosed any previous employment with COPE Galway, where applicable. I understand that if any information provided is found to be false, misleading, or incomplete, my application may be rejected, any offer of employment withdrawn, or my employment with COPE Galway terminated.
By submitting this application, I consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with COPE Galway’s Privacy Policy. https://www.copegalway.ie/privacy-policy/
