McDowell Schools Seek Substitute Cooks, Competency Test Scheduled

McDowell County Schools placed a public job posting on December 5 seeking substitute cooks to provide as needed non instructional support across the district. Applicants are required to hold or be able to obtain a Food Handler’s Card and to pass a district competency test. The district held the competency test Tuesday December 9 at 12 00 p.m. at the Board Office located at 900 Mt. View Road in Welch. The listing states pay will follow the county pay scale and the posting is valid through December 12.

School nutrition staff are essential to daily operations, especially in rural counties where many families rely on school meals for consistent access to nutritious food. Substitute cooks help cover shifts when regular staff are unavailable, preventing interruptions to breakfast and lunch service. For McDowell County residents, timely hiring can mean fewer canceled meals at schools and steadier support for children who depend on school nutrition programs.

The requirements for the position aim to protect food safety, but they can also create practical hurdles for potential applicants. A Food Handler’s Card and district competency testing add steps that require time and sometimes travel, which may be difficult for residents balancing other jobs or caregiving responsibilities. Because the competency session was scheduled at the district office in Welch, applicants from more remote parts of the county may face transportation challenges. The remaining application window through December 12 suggests the district may still be accepting applicants, and interested residents should contact McDowell County Schools for details on how to apply and whether additional testing or accommodations will be offered.

The posting highlights broader public health and workforce issues in county schools, including the need for stable staffing, accessible training, and equitable hiring practices that recognize local barriers. Filling substitute cook positions is a practical step toward maintaining school meal access, and it also represents a local employment opportunity for community members seeking flexible work.