Nutritional Services Associate – Job Description

Reports to: Manager, Food & Nutrition Services
Department: Food Services
Location: Hospital Environment
Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Food Service Associate is responsible for preparing and delivering patient meals according to specifications, serving in the hospital cafeteria, operating the cash register, washing dishes, stocking items, and maintaining cleanliness throughout the kitchen and serving areas. The role includes responsibilities across dishwashing, food preparation, cashiering, and serving functions.

Mission, Values, and Service Goals

Mission: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
Values: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
Service Goals:

• Personally connect

• Keep everyone informed

• Be on their team

Key Responsibilities

Dish Machine Operator

• Operates and maintains the dishwashing machine.

• Washes dishes, pots, and pans for patient meals, cafeteria service, and special events.

• Performs deep cleaning of patient food carts.

• Maintains cleanliness of the dishroom.

• Uses cleaning chemicals and detergents safely and effectively.

Server

• Prepares pans for hot buffet foods.

• Assembles sandwiches and replenishes cold items in the cooler.

• Serves lunch to employees and guests.

• Maintains and restocks salad bar and hot buffet during service.

• Takes down and deep cleans salad bar weekly.

• Empties trash, cleans tables, and maintains cleanliness in the dining and service areas.

• Records food temperatures and rotates stock to ensure freshness.

• Balances cash register and turns in funds.

• Assists in setting up buffet and salad bar.

Cashier

• Operates cash register; manages and secures drawer.

• Checks and rotates stock based on expiration dates.

• Keeps serving and dining areas clean and well-stocked.

• Prepares and maintains beverage machines (coffee, iced tea, cappuccino).

• Supports end-of-shift cleaning and assists in food preparation as needed.

AM Cook

• Prepares breakfast and lunch trays for patients and Meals on Wheels.

• Assists with cooking for the lunch buffet line.

• Starts coffee service and assists with dishwashing and food prep.

• Participates in extra cleaning and baking as needed.

PM Cook

• Prepares and serves evening meals for patients and staff.

• Restocks all clinical areas (ER, OB, Surgery, ADL Kitchen, etc.).

• Cleans and sanitizes the dishwashing and kitchen areas.

• Assists with trash removal, food storage, and prep for next-day meals.

• Supports nourishment cart restocking and leftover food assessment.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Attends department meetings and stays informed on updates.

• Completes all mandatory education, competencies, and health requirements on time.

• Maintains current certifications, including BCLS/CPR if applicable.

• Follows universal precautions, safety, and ergonomic practices.

• Adheres to all hospital and regulatory policies.

• Available to work overtime and alternate shifts as required.

Beacon Way Commitment

• Leverage innovation everywhere

• Cultivate human talent

• Embrace performance improvement

• Build greatness through accountability

• Use information to improve and advance

• Communicate clearly and continuously

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Minimum age: 17 years.

• Prior food service experience is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Familiarity with food safety and sanitation practices.

• Ability to read and understand menus in English.

• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

• Ability to work quickly and efficiently while maintaining service quality.

• Commitment to ethical behavior and patient privacy standards.

Working Conditions

• Clean, well-lit hospital environment with potential exposure to:

  • Temperature extremes, noise, wet floors

  • Cleaning chemicals, infectious agents, and hazardous waste

Physical Demands

• Frequent lifting (up to 60 lbs), bending, stooping, pushing, and pulling

• Standing or walking for the entire shift

• Occasional awkward postures for short durations