Cook (Homemaker)

Harmeny Education Trust is a charitable organisation providing therapeutic care and education to children who have experienced early years trauma through abuse, neglect and family disruption, referred from all over Scotland. We work with children and young people aged 5-18, both on a day and all-year-round residential basis.

We are seeking a Cook (Homemaker) to join our Catering and Domestic team on a part-time (0.93 FTE) employed basis. The post-holder will be responsible for ensuring that children and young people live in a homely environment including the cooking of high quality and nutritious food.

Homemakers are required to have an ability to produce consistently excellent and nutritional lunches and evening meals for our children. You will understand the central role that outstanding food preparation has on creating a homely environment within the residential cottage. You will be required to undertake some domestic duties and ensure a high standard of cleanliness. An elementary food hygiene certificate, or higher, is an essential requirement. A qualification in cooking or food preparation is highly desirable; however, training may be provided for the successful candidate.

The successful candidate will work 32.5 hours per week excluding meal breaks, Monday to Friday, 11am - 6pm. There may be opportunities to work additional shifts.

The salary for the post is £25,735.36 per annum, calculated based on a full-time equivalent salary of £27,715.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practitioner to join a friendly organisation making a difference to the lives of remarkable children in Scotland. Harmeny is a values-led organisation and a good fit with our ethos is as important to us as having relevant experience.

Successful applicants will be required to join Disclosure Scotland’s Protecting Vulnerable Group (PVG) Scheme.

Harmeny is situated in a beautiful 35-acre woodland estate, which includes residential and education accommodation, community garden, orchard, wildlife habitats and children’s play areas. Harmeny is located in Balerno on the outskirts of Edinburgh, at the foot of the Pentland Hills; we are easily accessible by bus and there is on-site parking available.

We offer benefits and opportunities that promote wellbeing, work-life balance and staff development. Benefits include:

• On-site wellbeing spaces and free massage therapy
• Free gym membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to a wellbeing app and counselling
• Access to discounts on shopping and events.
• Access to a comprehensive induction package, and to a range of learning and development opportunities throughout their career with us.

More information on the benefits of working at Harmeny, plus a fuller job description and person specification can be found on our website.

If you would like to find out more about this opportunity, please contact, Lesley McDonald, Catering and Domestic Services Manager by telephoning the Trust.

To apply, please complete the application form via the recruitment section on our careers page

Closing date:       21 August 2026

Interview date:     26 August 2026