Jobloria
Cook
Penn State Health
Location : Hershey, PA, 17033
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : $2.50/hour
Date Posted : 2 December 2025
Union:
Penn State Health-Hershey Medical Center
Location:US:PA: HersheyWork Type:Full TimeFTE:1.00Shift:Varied
Evening Shift Differential: $2.00/hourNight Shift Differential:$2.50/hourHours:variedRecruiter Contact:Nicholas Wine at nwine1@pennstatehealth.psu.edu
SUMMARY OF POSITION:
Responsible to properly prepare, cook and deliver food to patients and retail customers. Support the delivery of appetizing and healthy food on time.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION(S):
- Formal training as a cook required.
- One (1) year line cook experience in a restaurant with a varied menu required.
- Must be able to read, comprehend and follow simple verbal and written instruction.
- Math ability and planning ability are required.
- Must be capable of simple use of formulas, charts, tables and using adjustable measuring instruments.
- Must pass a written test and hands on skills demonstration with a minimum score of 80%.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S):
Experience as a line cook in a hospital or nursing home is preferred.WHY PENN STATE HEALTH?
Penn State Health offers exceptional opportunities to learn and grow, exposure to a wide patient population, and the ability to provide individualized, innovative, and specialized care to patients in the community.
Penn State Health offers an exceptional benefits package including medical, dental and vision with no waiting period as well as a Total Rewards Program that highlights a few of the many additional offerings below:
- Be Well
- Be Balanced
- Be Secured
- Be Rewarded
- Be Supported
WHY PENN STATE HEALTH MILTON HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER?
Penn State Hershey Medical Center is Central Pennsylvania’s only Academic Medical Center, Level 1 Regional Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center, and Tertiary Care Provider. As a four-time Magnet-designated hospital, Hershey Medical Center values the hard work and dedication that our employees exhibit every day. Through our core values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence, our employees are a team committed to compassionate care for our diverse patient population, our community and each other. As a valued team member, we promote continued professional development, specialty certification, continuing education, and career growth.
YOU TAKE CARE OF THEM. WE’LL TAKE CARE OF YOU. State-of-the-art equipment, endless learning, and a culture of excellence – that’s Penn State Health. But what makes our healthcare award-winning? That’s all you.
This job posting is a general outline of duties performed and is not to be misconstrued as encompassing all duties performed within the position. Eligibility for shift differential pay based on the terms outlined in company policy or union contract.All individuals (including current employees) selected for a position will undergo a background check appropriate for the position's responsibilities.
Penn State Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected class including disability or veteran status. Penn State Health’s policies and objectives are in direct compliance with all federal and state constitutional provisions, laws, regulations, guidelines, and executive orders that prohibit or outlaw discrimination.
Teamsters Local 776
Union:
Freqently Asked Questions
Strong cooking skills ensure that a Cook at Penn State Health can efficiently prepare nutritious meals tailored to patient needs and retail customers. Proficiency in varied cooking techniques allows adapting menu items swiftly, which is crucial in a fast-paced healthcare environment with diverse dietary requirements.
Applicants typically need formal training as a cook plus at least one year of line cook experience. Experience in hospital or nursing home kitchens is preferred, reflecting the specialized food safety and nutrition standards essential for healthcare food service roles in Hershey.
Yes, Cooks in healthcare can grow into roles such as dietary cook specialists, kitchen supervisors, or managers. Penn State Health promotes professional development and certifications, supporting career growth within their medical center’s culinary services.
Hershey, PA has a steady demand for skilled Cooks, especially in healthcare and hospitality sectors. Competition is moderate, with employers like Penn State Health valuing candidates who bring formal training and experience in varied menu preparation, making specialized culinary skills a key differentiator.
Penn State Health offers shift differentials—$2.00/hour for evenings and $2.50/hour for night shifts—recognizing the challenges of non-traditional hours. This incentive, combined with a comprehensive benefits package, helps attract and retain culinary staff committed to patient-centered meal services.
Unlike typical restaurants, Penn State Health Cooks focus on delivering meals that meet specific health and nutritional standards for patients, requiring precision and adherence to medical dietary needs. The environment is more structured, with emphasis on safety, timing, and collaboration within a healthcare team.
Cooks in Hershey generally earn between $13 and $17 per hour, depending on experience and shift differentials. Penn State Health’s competitive pay includes additional compensation for evening and night shifts, along with a robust benefits package enhancing overall compensation.
Penn State Health’s Cook roles are unionized under Teamsters Local 776, which ensures standardized wages, shift differentials, and workplace protections. This union presence helps maintain fair labor practices, job security, and benefits tailored to support culinary staff in a healthcare setting.
Yes, Penn State Health encourages continuous learning and professional development. Cooks gain exposure to specialized dietary requirements and state-of-the-art kitchen equipment, fostering skill enhancement aligned with healthcare nutrition and patient care standards.
Managing energy levels during evening or night shifts is a frequent challenge. Cooks should develop strong time-management skills and adaptability to varied hours. Penn State Health’s shift differentials and supportive culture help mitigate these challenges, promoting work-life balance.
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