Locum Cook
Service: Catering Services
Location: Limerick City
Duration: Locum Contract
Post Reference No: HR260509
Published: 26th May 2026
Application Closing Date: 26th June 2026
We are looking for someone with catering experience, HACCP training, attention to detail, and a compassionate, respectful approach to working with people. This is an opportunity to join an organisation driven by values, teamwork, and impact.
You will work daytime shifts from 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, across a 7-day roster.
NOVAS is a not for profit organisation and Approved Housing Body. We work with single adults, couples and families who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. We provide a range of support services and accommodation. We have over 300 staff, and more than 30 services in Limerick, Dublin, Clare, Kerry, Cork and Tipperary including residential homeless services, social housing and community based services for tenancy sustainment, homelessness prevention, mental health and recovery.
Join NOVAS as a Locum Cook and make a real difference through food, care, and support in Limerick City. This rewarding role combines quality meal preparation with meaningful client engagement in a trauma-informed, person-centred environment supporting people experiencing homelessness. You will work across McGarry House and Brother Russell House as part of a supportive catering and services team, helping deliver nutritious meals, maintain high food safety standards, and encourage positive wellbeing through food.
NOVAS is a Trauma Informed practice organisation and the principles of collaboration, diversity, respect and trust are embedded in our way of working together. Our services are provided through support of our partners in local government through the Local Authorities, HSE, and other donors and funders
Desirable Skills and Knowledge (Please see Job Description for complete Person Specification)
- A minimum of two year’s experience working in a kitchen or food service environment.
- Knowledge of HACCP principles and experience applying food safety procedures in practice.
- Previous Experience of planning menus and preparing meals, ordering stock according to agreed menus and nutritional guidelines.
- A good working knowledge of hygiene, health and safety, and infection prevention and control standards.
- The ability and willingness to follow direction, policies, and procedures.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a kitchen team, as well as to work independently when required.
- Administrative skills sufficient to accurately complete HACCP records, cleaning schedules, delivery checks, and other required documentation.
- An understanding of the needs of vulnerable adults, including people experiencing homelessness, and the ability to work in a respectful, non-judgmental, and professional manner.
- A commitment to maintaining high standards of customer care, professionalism, and service delivery.
- Willingness to engage in required training, including food safety, health & safety, and safeguarding, and to keep all certifications up to date.
- A full driver’s licence, with the ability to assist with deliveries or transport between services as required.
If you would like to work for NOVAS, an application form and job description can be found on the careers section of our website https://novas.ie/careers-with-novas/. If you require any further information or wish to submit a completed application form, please email recruitment@novas.ie
