Retail Cook/Cafeteria Cook/Prep Cook (Healthcare/Kitchen Services)

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

At Augusta Health, your work matters — and so do you. Whether you're delivering direct patient care, supporting operations, or innovating behind the scenes, every role contributes to our mission of promoting wellness and healing through compassionate service. We offer more than just a job — we offer a purpose-driven career in a nationally recognized, independent health system located in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley.

Learn more about career opportunities on our Careers Page .

Our team members thrive in a supportive culture that values collaboration, integrity, and excellence. With opportunities across clinical and non-clinical areas, Augusta Health is a place where your skills make a difference, and your growth is a priority.

Why Join Augusta Health?

We believe in taking care of the people who care for our community. That’s why Augusta Health offers a comprehensive and thoughtfully designed benefits package that supports your well-being, career development, and work-life balance. Whether you're launching your career or bringing in years of experience, we provide the tools, resources, and encouragement to help empower you to reach your full potential — personally, professionally, and financially.

Explore our Benefits , current Hiring Incentives , and our Taking Care of Us initiative — which embraces Belonging , Respect , Inclusion , Diversity , Growth , and Equity ( B.R.I.D.G.E. ) — to see how we invest in our team members and culture.

Total Rewards & Benefits ( may vary by position ):

• Comprehensive insurance package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings plans and financial wellness support programs.
• Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling to promote work-life balance.
• Career development programs including clinical ladders, shared governance, and advancement opportunities.
• Personalized onboarding with dedicated preceptors and ongoing educational support.
• Tuition reimbursement and access to onsite childcare.
• Free onsite parking, 24/7-armed security for your safety, a Health Fitness Reimbursement Program, and an onsite credit union and pharmacy.
• Competitive pay with shift/weekend differentials.
• Employee discounts at the cafeteria, gift shop, pharmacy, and local entertainment venues (i.e., movie tickets).

Full details are available on our Benefits Page .

Job Summary

This position plays a critical role in supporting Augusta Health’s mission and advancing departmental goals through measurable performance indicators and service excellence. This position contributes to a collaborative, patient-centered environment and helps drive outcomes aligned with organizational priorities.

The Retail Cook is responsible for the preparation and service of meals in a retail cafeteria setting, ensuring that food is cooked safely and efficiently while upholding a clean and organized workspace. Collaborates with team members or operates independently to meet all customer needs. Delivering an exceptional customer experience is a top priority, with service provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Strict adherence to the cafeteria menu and compliance with food health and safety regulations are essential. Proficiency in operating a grill, oven, fryer, and oil disposal system is required at all times.

Essential Job Duties:

• Provides fast, friendly, professional and responsive customer service to all guests.
• Must present with good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Prepare and cook a variety of meals in a fast, friendly professional environment for multiple meals.
• Interacts with customers as well as other team members in a positive manner.
• Demonstrates the ability to use and sanitize all necessary food service equipment. Example: Grill, fryers, oven, steam tables, warmers, hot lines, etc.
• Must always follow sanitation standards established by the VDH, and the hospital’s Infection Control Team. Must have the ability to maintain a clean and organized workspace.
• Must properly label, date, and store all food in proper food holding areas.
• Ensures all utensils, equipment and items needed for services are in place prior to each meal period.
• Ensures proper rotation and adherence to the First In, First Out (FIFO) standard.
• Ensures proper temperatures for all food to be served to guests are in required ranges and document temperatures.
• Recipe adherence must always be followed.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: High School Diploma, GED or Equivalent.
• Licensure/Certification: None.
• Experience: A minimum of one year cooking experience.
• Driver's License: N/A.
• Eligibility to work in the United States and meet Virginia state employment requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education: 2 years of cooking experience.
• Licensure/Certification: ServSafe.
• Experience: Two years of cooking experience.
• Prior experience in a hospital, healthcare system, or related service-oriented environment.
• Familiarity with Augusta Health’s systems, workflows, or organizational culture is a plus.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must be competent in the handling of all equipment used in the preparation of food items to customers. (Grills, fryers, steam wells, oven, warmers.).
• Must possess fundamental knowledge of food preparation and cooking techniques as well as but not limited to receiving, storing, preparing, and holding food items.
• Should possess at least basic cooking and serving skills.
• Should possess a comprehensive understanding of all 9 of the major food allergens.
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives without supervision.
• Ability to meet consistent and punctual attendance.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
• Skill to use a personal computer and various software packages for mandatory education requirements.

About Augusta Health

Augusta Health is an independent, nonprofit, mission-driven health system located in Fishersville, Virginia, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. We offer a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient services, including Augusta Medical Center—a 255-bed facility—and Augusta Medical Group, which operates 40 practice locations and four urgent care centers. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care makes Augusta Health a leading employer and healthcare provider in the region.

Discover more about our history, values, and community impact on our About Us Page .

Equal Opportunity Statement

Augusta Health recruits, hires, and promotes qualified candidates for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran or military discharge status, and family medical or genetic information.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace in accordance with federal and Virginia state employment laws.