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.

Qualifications

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.

Why Join ChristianaCare?

As a Food & Nutrition Services Assistant, you play an important role in supporting patient care by ensuring patients receive safe, accurate, and timely meals while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety. Your contributions help create a positive patient experience and support ChristianaCare's mission of serving our community with excellence and compassion.