Cook at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System – Linville, North Carolina

Location: Linville, North Carolina | Full-Time | Variable Shifts
Sign-On Bonus: $2,500

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

About UNC Health Appalachian
It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.”

About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.