Job Summary
The Food Services Worker III is responsible for advanced food preparation, meal service coordination, and ensuring food safety compliance in a healthcare setting. This role performs complex food service duties, including specialized meal preparation, oversight of food distribution, and adherence to dietary and sanitation regulations. The Food Services Worker III may also assist in training junior staff, monitoring kitchen operations, and ensuring quality control of meals served to patients, staff, and visitors.
Essential Functions
- Prepares and portions specialized meals, ensuring compliance with dietary restrictions, nutrition guidelines, and patient meal plans.
- Assists in training and mentoring junior food service staff, ensuring adherence to policies and proper food handling procedures.
- Coordinates food distribution, meal tray assembly, and delivery to patients, staff, and visitors, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Monitors kitchen operations, inventory management, and food storage procedures to maintain quality and efficiency.
- Ensures compliance with infection control, sanitation, and food safety regulations, following facility and regulatory agency standards.
- Operates and maintains kitchen equipment and food service machinery, including slicers, ovens, steamers, and dishwashers.
- Assists in menu planning and dietary modifications, working with dietitians to accommodate specific patient needs.
- Follows strict protocols for proper food handling, storage, labeling, and temperature monitoring to prevent contamination.
- Engages in customer service and patient interaction, responding to meal-related concerns and special requests professionally.
- Participates in continuous quality improvement initiatives, identifying ways to enhance food service efficiency and patient satisfaction.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
Qualifications
- 3-6 years of experience in food service, nutrition services, or a related field required
- Experience in a healthcare, hospital, or long-term care setting with knowledge of therapeutic diets and meal planning preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Advanced knowledge of food preparation techniques, dietary guidelines, and meal service coordination.
- Ability to train and mentor junior staff, ensuring compliance with food safety and operational protocols.
- Strong understanding of infection control, sanitation, and food handling best practices.
- Experience with kitchen equipment operation, food service tools, and inventory control.
- Excellent customer service and communication skills to interact with patients, staff, and visitors.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality, safety, and efficiency.
- Strong attention to detail in portion control, tray accuracy, and adherence to dietary restrictions.
Licenses and Certifications
- SAFE Serve Certification preferred