Food Service Assistant I - Casual - 8 Hrs. Weekly/16 Hrs. Biweekly - 4pm - 7:30pm Shift - Weeknights, Weekends and Holidays - Union Campus

Job Details

ChristianaCare is seeking a dedicated Food & Nutrition Services Assistant to support patient meal service and departmental sanitation operations. This role is responsible for accurately assembling patient meal trays, replenishing food supplies, operating dishwashing and pot-washing equipment, maintaining sanitation standards, and ensuring compliance with food safety, infection prevention, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, customer-focused, and committed to providing exceptional service in a healthcare environment.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Meal Service

• Assemble high-volume patient meal trays accurately and efficiently according to trayline meal tickets and established delivery schedules.
• Ensure food items are correctly portioned using designated serving utensils and placed in the proper location on meal trays.
• Read, interpret, and prepare meal trays for both regular and therapeutic diets.
• Differentiate between standard and modified diet requirements, including specialized food items and liquid consistencies.
• Replenish hot and cold food items to maintain meal service operations.

Food Safety & Infection Prevention

• Maintain proper food holding, serving, and storage temperatures.
• Prevent cross-contamination through adherence to food safety guidelines.
• Date, label, and rotate food products according to departmental procedures.
• Wear required gloves and personal protective equipment while handling food and sanitation tasks.
• Follow infection prevention standards and regulatory requirements.

Sanitation & Ware Washing

• Operate dish machines and ware-washing equipment efficiently and safely.
• Monitor, document, and record dish machine temperatures according to departmental procedures.
• Clean and sanitize pots, pans, utensils, and equipment using approved cleaning methods and sanitizing solutions.
• Test and maintain proper sanitizer pH levels in pot-washing areas.
• Maintain cleanliness throughout workstations, kitchens, dish rooms, and storage areas.
• Remove trash promptly and dispose of cardboard and other waste in designated disposal areas.
• Follow proper mopping, cleaning, and sanitation procedures.

Customer Service & Teamwork

• Demonstrate ChristianaCare's Core Values of Excellence and Love in all interactions.
• Interact professionally and compassionately with patients, families, coworkers, physicians, and other team members.
• Maintain a positive, respectful, and service-oriented attitude.
• Support overall department operations and perform other related duties as assigned.

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to ChristianaCare safety requirements, State Board of Health regulations, and all applicable regulatory standards.
• Follow departmental safety procedures and safe work practices at all times.
• Report unsafe conditions, hazards, accidents, or equipment concerns to leadership promptly.

Preferred Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Candidates currently enrolled in high school will also be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions accurately.
• Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong teamwork and customer service skills.
• Ability to lift and transport materials weighing up to 30 pounds.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to pass a physical examination and maintain a drug-free status.
• Ability to hear, see, speak, and ambulate independently.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, push, pull, carry, reach, twist, handle, stoop, and climb throughout the workday.
• Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks in a food service environment.

Work Environment

• Frequent interaction with Food & Nutrition Services staff and occasional interaction with patients, guests, and other ChristianaCare employees.
• Exposure to infectious materials through returned patient trays and dishroom operations.
• Exposure to commercial kitchen equipment and machinery.
• Exposure to hot wells, refrigerators, freezers, and fluctuating temperatures.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals, sanitizers, and other food service supplies.