Cook

Cook

Location: Linville, North Carolina | Full-Time | Variable Shifts

Why You'll Love Working Here

As a Cook at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll help nourish patients, visitors, and staff by preparing high-quality meals in a clean, safe, and well-organized environment. Your work directly supports patient recovery and enhances the dining experience across our facilities. You'll be part of a mission-driven team committed to excellence, service, and compassionate care — all while working in one of the most beautiful communities in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

• Compensation: Starting pay begins at $15.90 per hour, with competitive rates based on experience and education.
• Schedule: Full-time, variable shifts including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision coverage, retirement with employer match, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, wellness incentives, and employee discounts.

What You'll Do as a Cook

• Prepare meals for patients, employees, and customers following established recipes, dietary standards, and sanitation guidelines.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, food safety, and regulatory compliance in all food preparation areas.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, dietary staff, and clinical teams to ensure timely meal service.
• Demonstrate professionalism, effective teamwork, and adherence to UNC Health Appalachian's Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to emergent needs or changes in patient dietary status.
• Assist coworkers, patients, and visitors as needed within scope and role responsibilities.

Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or GED preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of one year of institutional cooking experience required.

Licenses/Certifications:

• None required.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and remain calm under pressure.
• Knowledge of safe food-handling procedures and sanitation standards.
• Basic computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, and nutrition-related software.

Physical & Work Environment

• Lift, push, pull, or carry up to and over 50 lbs.
• Prolonged standing and walking for 8+ hours per shift.
• Frequent bending, squatting, twisting, and reaching.
• Exposure to hot surfaces, steam, cleaning chemicals, and kitchen equipment.
• Exposure to slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and occasional undesirable conditions.
• Work may include early mornings, late evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts.

What Sets Us Apart

• Career Growth: Access to culinary training, supervisory pathways, and professional development through our Career Pathways Program.
• Impactful Work: Prepare meals that directly support healing, nourishment, and positive experiences for patients and guests.
• Community & Lifestyle: Boone offers outdoor adventure, vibrant arts and dining, and a warm mountain community — consistently ranked among America's best small towns by Forbes and Southern Living.
• Inclusive Culture: We value diversity, equity, and inclusion — ensuring all team members feel respected, supported, and empowered.

Ready to bring your culinary skills to a team that makes a difference every day? Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian and help create nutritious, high-quality meals for our patients and community.