Cook
| Facility | Centra Behavioral Health Hospital |
| Location | Lynchburg, VA |
| Career Area | Food Services / Nutrition |
| Job Shift | Varied |
| Date Posted | 02/18/2026 |
| Job ID | #332276 |
Schedule: Full Time, Days
Your experience matters
Centra Behavioral Health Hospital is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others. By joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier ®. Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.
Come join us in our journey of opening a brand-new hospital!
More about our team
Centra Behavioral Health Hospital is a brand-new 72 bed behavioral health facility opening in 2026. We offer high-quality, compassionate care for a wide variety of patients in need. Our teams provide evidence-based, transformational care for a broad range of mental health concerns in a compassionate, comfortable environment.
How you'll contribute
A Cook who excels in this role:
Follow all patient diet orders and ensure meals align with prescribed dietary needs.
Use production sheets to guide food preparation quantities and meet scheduled mealtimes.
Maintain proper food temperatures during preparation and service per FDA Food Code standards.
Properly label, date, store, and cool food items-including leftovers-according to policy.
Record refrigerator, freezer, and dish machine temperatures as required, reporting any out‑of‑range readings immediately.
Assist with receiving, storing, and verifying delivery invoices for food and supplies.
Monitor inventory levels, use supplies efficiently, and report low stock to supervisors.
Keep work areas clean and sanitized, following designated cleaning assignments and using approved chemicals.
Perform dishwashing duties and store clean dishes and equipment to prevent contamination.
Operate and maintain kitchen equipment safely, reporting any malfunctions promptly.
Follow all infection control, safety, sanitation, and PPE requirements during daily tasks.
Review patient diet orders, room changes, and discharges prior to each tray line service.
Communicate concerns, improvement opportunities, and team needs to supervisors regularly.
Participate in performance improvement activities, surveys, and leadership responsibilities as assigned.
Always exhibit the company's core values of champion patient care, do the right thing, embrace individuality, act with kindness, and making a difference together.
Other duties as assigned
Why join us
We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers:
- Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time employees.
- Financial Protection & PTO: Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.
- Financial & Career Growth: Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.
- Employee Well-being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).
- Professional Development: Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.
- Brand new facility: Brand new hospital, built from the ground up, with cutting edge equipment and technology!
What we're looking for
Applicants should possess the following qualifications and skills:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent required
- Experience: One year of experience in food service and/or preparation setting (restaurant, hospital, nursing center, hotel, etc.) preferred.
- License: Food Safety/Sanitation certification required as per state regulations.
- Additional Requirements: De-escalation certification required within 30 days of employment and prior to any patient contact.
About Us
Centra Behavioral Health Hospital is a 72-bed behavioral health hospital committed to offering exceptional care to the Lynchburg community. We are part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network committed to making communities healthier® with acute care, rehabilitation, and behavioral health facilities from coast to coast.
EEOC Statement
Centra Behavioral Health Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Centra Behavioral Health Hospital is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment.
Lifepoint Health is a leader in community-based care and driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier. Our diversified healthcare delivery network spans 29 states and includes 63 community hospital campuses, 32 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and more than 170 additional sites of care across the healthcare continuum, such as acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post-acute care facilities. We believe that success is achieved through talented people. We want to create places where employees want to work, with opportunities to pursue meaningful and satisfying careers that truly make a difference in communities across the country.