JOB DESCRIPTION: The primary responsibility of this position is to support the hospital's mission while also providing the highest quality service to customers at all times. In addition, performs duties for the patient, cafeteria, and catering services and meets pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric customer needs. Other responsibilities include preparing foods according to established recipes and portioning food and beverage products. This employee also sets up work stations, serves and replenishes food from service areas, documents food and equipment temperatures, cleans and sanitizes work stations and equipment, and operates the cash register. This employee participates in the patient tray line, selects the appropriate Diet Kit for the patient's modified diet, notes any high-risk food/drug interactions, and sets up the tray. Facilitates late meal changes, including diet order changes and new patient meal orders, and makes and delivers appropriate meals. The Food Service Associate has an understanding of modified diets and has excellent communication and customer service skills. Education: High school, or equivalent, preferred. Ability to read, write, speak, and follow oral and written directions. Must be able to develop a good working knowledge of appropriate diet kits. Knowledge of local, state, and federal food regulations. Must have basic math skills. Experience: Previous work experience, especially in dealing with the public and working in a restaurant or institution preferred. On the job training will be provided. Computer skills preferred. Responsibilities: Sanitary and safe handling of food and equipment. Carefully follows direction and serves only food specified on modified diet, adhering to mealtime schedules, meeting deadlines, and serving food at proper temperatures. Uses correct sanitizing procedures in all aspects of food service. Completes assigned food preparation tasks. Ensures safe and timely provision of services to meet the needs of patients. Demonstrates both patient and customer advocacy which assure customers right to privacy, safety and confidentiality. Participates in ware washing and cleaning as assigned.