Description:
The Food and Nutrition Associate prepares, portions, and serves food items for patients on general and modified diets as well as for retail food service and catering operations. This role assists with meal assembly, food service station setup, and food distribution while maintaining high standards of food safety, sanitation, and customer service.
The Food Service Worker ensures compliance with food safety and infection control policies, supports meal service operations, and maintains a clean and organized work environment to support the overall goals of the Food and Nutrition Services department.
Responsibilities
RESPONSIBILITIES Food Preparation and Meal Service
- Prepare, portion, and serve food items for patient meals, retail service, and catering operations .
- Set up meal service stations and ensure appropriate food presentation and portion control.
- Assemble and serve meals according to selected menus and dietary guidelines .
- Assist with patient tray assembly and food distribution as needed.
Food Handling and Safety
- Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection control policies and procedures .
- Perform proper and frequent hand hygiene and use protective equipment to prevent transmission of foodborne illnesses.
- Take and record temperatures of food and food service equipment and document results according to department procedures.
- Use FIFO ( First- In, First- Out) protocols for food storage and rotation.
- Label and date food items appropriately.
Equipment Operation and Dishwashing
- Load, operate, and unload commercial dishwashing equipment .
- Wash dishes, flatware, and serving utensils according to sanitation standards.
- Operate selected food production or service equipment as needed.
- May operate a cash register to process and verify payments for retail food services.
Inventory and Food Storage
- Receive deliveries and store food items and supplies appropriately.
- Requisition or retrieve ingredients from storage areas according to menu or recipe requirements .
- Ensure proper labeling, dating, and storage of food products.
Cleaning and Sanitation
- Maintain clean and sanitary food preparation areas and equipment.
- Clean and organize work areas throughout the shift.
- Mop floors, wash tables, counters, walls, and kitchen surfaces.
- Empty and clean trash containers and remove waste from kitchen areas.
Transportation and Meal Delivery
- Transport food carts to patient care units and other hospital locations as required.
- Ensure food items are delivered in accordance with department procedures.
Customer Service and Team Communication
- Report concerns related to food quality, service issues, or patient/ customer feedback .
- Communicate recommendations for service improvements to supervisors.
- May receive training to assist with basic cooking or baking tasks .
- Perform other duties as assigned to support department operations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education
High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
Experience
- One ( 1) year of food service experience preferred .