Dishwasher

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for maintaining a clean, sanitary, and organized food service environment by washing dishes, utensils, pots, pans, and kitchen equipment. Supports Food and Nutrition operations through cleaning, stocking, receiving supplies, waste disposal, and assisting with routine kitchen tasks to ensure safe and efficient meal service for patients, employees, and guests.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Operates dishwashing equipment according to established procedures and safety standards.
• Washes, rinses, sanitizes, and stores dishes, trays, utensils, pots, pans, and food service equipment.
• Maintains proper chemical concentrations and water temperatures for sanitizing operations.
• Cleans and sanitizes kitchen equipment, work surfaces, sinks, storage areas, refrigerators, freezers, and food preparation areas.
• Sweeps, mops, and maintains cleanliness of floors and assigned work areas throughout the shift.
• Removes trash, recyclables, and food waste from designated areas and disposes of materials appropriately.
• Assists with receiving, unpacking, stocking, and rotating food and supply deliveries.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of dish room, storage rooms, and utility areas.
• Assists Food Service Workers and kitchen staff with basic food preparation and kitchen support duties as assigned.
• Delivers supplies, equipment, meal carts, and food service items to designated locations.
• Performs daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning assignments according to department schedules.
• Maintains required sanitation, cleaning, and temperature logs.
• Reports equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, and supply shortages to supervisor.
• Follows all food safety, infection control, sanitation, and workplace safety regulations.
• Attends required departmental meetings, in-services, and training programs.
• Assists with catering functions, special events, and other departmental activities as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of proper cleaning and sanitation practices.
• Knowledge of safe food handling procedures.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Ability to operate dishwashing and cleaning equipment safely.
• Ability to work cooperatively with patients, visitors, and staff.
• Ability to recognize and report safety hazards.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information.
• Strong customer service and teamwork skills.
• Ability to adhere to CIHA policies, procedures, and core values.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Previous food service, custodial, housekeeping, or environmental services experience preferred.
• Healthcare food service experience preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed primarily in a commercial kitchen environment. Employee is regularly exposed to hot water, steam, cleaning chemicals, food odors, and varying temperatures. Work areas may be noisy, crowded, and fast-paced. Potential hazards include slips, trips, falls, cuts, burns, and exposure to communicable diseases. Employee must follow all established safety and infection control procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and twist.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to operate dishwashing equipment and perform repetitive motions with hands and arms.
• Ability to safely maneuver carts, racks, and food service equipment.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.