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Cafeteria Helper Jobs in Rutherfordton, NC (NOW HIRING)

Ernest Health

Cook-PRN

Spartanburg, SC · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Serving the Upstate region, our institute specializes in helping patients recover from strokes ... Creates menus and orders supplies for the hospital kitchen and cafeteria. Integrates the hospital ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Gaffney, SC · On-site

$14/hr

Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: Diversity of thought and inclusion for ... Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they ...

Compass Group

CASHIER/FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Forest City, NC · On-site

$12.25 - $14.75/hr

Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: Diversity of thought and inclusion for ... Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they ...

All JobsCafeteria Helper JobsCafeteria Helper Jobs in Rutherfordton, NC

Cafeteria Helper information

See Rutherfordton, NC salary details

$4

$12

$16

How much do cafeteria helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria helper in Rutherfordton, NC is $12.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.60 and $13.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cafeteria helper?

Cafeteria Helpers are staff members who support the daily operations of a cafeteria, usually in schools, hospitals, or corporate settings. Their duties often include preparing and serving food, cleaning dining areas, restocking supplies, and assisting with dishwashing. They work under the supervision of cafeteria managers and ensure that food safety and hygiene standards are met. Cafeteria Helpers play an important role in creating a clean, organized, and efficient dining environment for all patrons.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a cafeteria helper, and how do they collaborate with other staff members?

As a Cafeteria Helper, your daily responsibilities often include preparing and serving food, maintaining cleanliness in dining and kitchen areas, restocking supplies, and assisting with meal setup and cleanup. You'll frequently collaborate with cooks, kitchen staff, and other helpers to ensure smooth food service and adherence to health and safety standards. Teamwork and effective communication are key, as you'll coordinate tasks during busy meal periods and support one another to provide a positive dining experience for students or customers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cafeteria helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cafeteria Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and, in some cases, a food handler’s certification is valuable. Strong teamwork, communication, and customer service skills help you efficiently serve meals and interact positively with students and staff. These abilities ensure safe, efficient food service operations and a welcoming environment for patrons.

What is the difference between Cafeteria Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCafeteria HelperKitchen Assistant
CredentialsNone typically requiredBasic food safety knowledge often preferred
Work EnvironmentSchool or institutional cafeterias, serving studentsCommercial or institutional kitchens, food prep areas
Employer & IndustrySchools, colleges, or cafeteriasRestaurants, catering services, food production
Job FocusAssisting with serving, cleaning, and maintaining cafeteria areasAssisting with food prep, cleaning kitchen equipment

While both roles support food service operations, Cafeteria Helpers primarily assist with serving and maintaining cafeteria areas, often in schools, whereas Kitchen Assistants focus more on food preparation and kitchen cleanliness in various food service settings.

How do you become a school cafeteria helper?

To become a school cafeteria helper, applicants typically need to be at least 16 years old, complete an application, and pass a background check. Some schools may require or prefer previous experience with food service or working with children, and training on food safety and sanitation is often provided on the job.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cafeteria jobs in Rutherfordton, NC?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Rutherfordton, NC are:

What cities near Rutherfordton, NC are hiring for Cafeteria Helper jobs?

Cities near Rutherfordton, NC with the most Cafeteria Helper job openings:

Cafeteria Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Helper job openings in Rutherfordton, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Part Time, and 48% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $26,923 per year, or $12.9 per hour.

Cook-PRN

Spartanburg, SC • On-site

Ernest Health
See more jobs at Ernest Healthexternal

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 hours ago

Ernest Health rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Overview
Cook - PRN Spartanburg Rehabilitation Institute
Spartanburg Rehabilitation Institute in Spartanburg, South Carolina located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Spartanburg is a hub for arts, education, and innovation. The city features scenic trails, local dining, and a growing downtown-perfect for professionals and families alike.
Spartanburg Rehabilitation Institute in Spartanburg, South Carolina provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative care with a personal touch. Serving the Upstate region, our institute specializes in helping patients recover from strokes, brain and spinal cord injuries, orthopedic injuries, and other disabling conditions through intensive therapy programs.
Our interdisciplinary team - including rehab physicians, nurses, therapists, and case managers - is passionate about patient care and works collaboratively to design individualized treatment plans for each patient's unique goals. We offer advanced rehabilitation technologies and a supportive environment that encourages progress and healing.
Joint Commission-accredited and consistently ranked among top rehab providers, Spartanburg Rehabilitation Institute is proud to help patients rebuild their abilities and confidence on the journey to recovery.
We are seeking a PRN Cook to join our team of passionate patient caregivers!
As a participating hospital of Ernest Health, we offer robust recognition, wellness, and retention programs. These programs focus to enhance the employees' work experience, recognize, and celebrate achievements. We also encourage employees to share their work experience through "My Ernest Journey" and through our Engagement Survey, where our approach is "You Spoke, We Listened". These platforms provide additional avenues for employees to give feedback about their work experience and share what is important to them.
Our hospital offers comprehensive benefits, designed to support your health and financial well-being.
Benefits:
  • PPO and High Deductible Medical Plan options
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Account options available
  • Dental and Vision coverage
  • 401K with employer matching
  • Life insurance
  • Short-and-long term disability

Wellness & Work Life Balance:
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellness Program with quarterly wellness challenges with participation incentives
  • Earned Time Off - start accruing vacation time on start date

Qualifications
Required Skills:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred. Equivalent in in education or experience required.
  • Food Handlers License required.

Additional Qualifications/Skills:
  • Knowledge of patient diets and safe food handling requirements and use of Nutritional Care Manual.
  • Knowledge of clinical operations and procedures.
  • Effective organizational and time management skills.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain quality and safety standards.
  • Ability to maintain proper levels of confidentiality.
  • Ability to work closely and professionally with others.
  • Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.

Responsibilities
Responsible for providing healthy food for patients, employees, and visitors. Prepares food ensuring that strict safety standards are followed. Creates menus and orders supplies for the hospital kitchen and cafeteria. Integrates the hospital's mission and "Guiding Principles" into daily practice.

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