Food Service Worker

Primary Function

To assist the Cook(s) in preparing food according to a Dietician-approved, standardized menu for CIHA patients, providers, and guests. Assists in production and service of general, as well as, medically prescribed therapeutic and modified texture diets, in a sanitary manner, at a high rate of accuracy and acceptability.

Job Description

• Under direction of the Cook and Dietary Manager, prepares food and beverages according to cycle menu, census, and patient diet orders.
• Prepares food following standardized recipes, scaling recipes appropriately as indicated by the cook.
• When necessary, peels, washes, trims, and cuts up vegetables and fruits required.
• Is knowledgeable in aspects of patient menu execution, including: proper serving sizes, interpreting a diet spreadsheet, modifying food for IDDSI textures, evaluating final food products, and serving trays accurately at appropriate temperatures.
• Prepares and serves all types of cold sides, salads, sandwiches, desserts, breads, and baked items, as well as, additional items for therapeutic or modified texture diets as directed by the Cook.
• Prepares food in a way to reduce waste and spoilage.
• Presents items which are visually appealing to patients and conforms to established food standards in terms of shape, size, color, texture, and flavor.
• Prepares food to preserve nutritional value, color, palatability and acceptability to CIHA patients, providers, and guests. Prepares special foods per patient request as directed by the Cook.
• Manages time effectively and produces food/beverage such to have menu items ready for serving at meal times and trays delivered during pre-determined time frames.
• Loads, unloads, and properly maintains dish machine, keeping appropriate records.
• Always maintains a clean, disinfected and orderly work station.  
• Observes high personal hygiene standards and all required safe food handling practices.
• Checks refrigerator thermometers frequently and reports temperature variations promptly.
• Follows approved safety and fire regulations at all times.
• When designated, receives, checks and properly stores food deliveries promptly.
• Under direction of the Cook, examines all food for quality and freshness before preparation.
• Stock, rotate, and perform inventory of food/supplies in patient nourishment areas.
• Deliver meal carts and patient trays to designated areas at designated times; subsequently, retrieve these items and return to kitchen.
• Adheres to all CIHA policies and attends training programs and in-services as scheduled; completes Relias online training courses by due dates.
• Performs cleaning duties as assigned by the daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning scheduling. Takes on additional cleaning projects as assigned.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

• High school or GED equivalent required.
• Food service and healthcare experience preferred.

Physical

• Able to lift and carry in excess of 50 lbs.
• Able to stand/walk for the duration of shift.
• Able to work long hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, as needed.

Confidential Data

The Privacy Act of 1974 mandates that the incumbent shall maintain confidentiality of all pertinent patient information that comes to his/her attention. The Privacy Act carries both civil and criminal penalties for unlawful disclosure of knowledge.

Contacts with Others

The incumbent will be in contact with coworkers, patients, dietitian, and other department staff including nursing.

Environment

The work area is often warm, noisy, and cramped. There are possibilities for being cut, burnt, or scalded due to the necessity of working in the kitchen. There is also a danger of slipping on the floor due to food or liquid spills.

Hazards

The work involved may expose employee to communicable diseases. Employees must be familiar and comply with NC Statutes relating to food service work and federal and state regulations pertaining to occupational safety and health, infection control, EPA standards, and HIPAA regulations. Employee must have annual TB test and mandatory Hepatitis A series.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.