Do I need to know medical diets to work in a care home?

Practically yes — beneficiaries most often have chronic conditions with dietary restrictions (diabetes, low-sodium, modified textures for dysphagia). An institutional-nutrition course prepares you for this.

Is HACCP certification a one-time thing?

The law doesn't mandate a renewal frequency, but serious employers and public-health inspections recommend refreshing it every 2–3 years or when procedures change.

Can I work part-time as a cook in a small home?

Yes, small homes (under 20 places) can hire a part-time cook or outsource. A 4h/day contract is legal, with proportional pay.

About us·Contact·Help line

MapTalk to us

A career in senior care

Cook

The care-home cook prepares daily meals respecting seniors' special diets and HACCP rules. A role with a direct impact on beneficiaries' health.

About the job

A cook (COR code 512001) prepares daily meals following the approved menu and beneficiaries' special diets (diabetes, hypertension, dysphagia). Complying with HACCP food-safety rules is mandatory. Knowledge of geriatric nutrition is an important advantage.

Responsibilities

Preparing daily meals per the approved weekly menu
Respecting special diets (diabetic, low-sodium, modified textures for dysphagia)
Applying HACCP rules — traceability, temperatures, separate storage
Managing food stock, receiving and checking ingredient quality
Keeping the kitchen clean and disinfected per public-health rules
Completing production documents (recipe sheets, HACCP registers)
Working with the doctor / dietitian to adapt the menu

Requirements

'Cook' qualification (vocational school or ANC level-2 certificate)
Valid health card (periodic public-health medical checks)
HACCP training (mandatory — EC Regulation 852/2004)
Preferred: experience in institutional nutrition / hospital canteen

Certifications & courses

ANC level-2 'Cook' qualification (or vocational school)
Accredited HACCP course (1–2 days, ANSVSA-authorised firms)
Nutrition and dietetics course for medical / social institutions (recommended)

See accredited training courses →

Where you can work

Private residential centres for seniors (with their own kitchen)
DGASPC — public residential homes
Catering firms serving care homes (outsourced kitchen)
Hospitals with a geriatrics ward

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know medical diets to work in a care home?: Practically yes — beneficiaries most often have chronic conditions with dietary restrictions (diabetes, low-sodium, modified textures for dysphagia). An institutional-nutrition course prepares you for this.
Is HACCP certification a one-time thing?: The law doesn't mandate a renewal frequency, but serious employers and public-health inspections recommend refreshing it every 2–3 years or when procedures change.
Can I work part-time as a cook in a small home?: Yes, small homes (under 20 places) can hire a part-time cook or outsource. A 4h/day contract is legal, with proportional pay.