Catering Assistant PRN

About the Role

Responsible for patient food service on assigned units, including menu selections, tray assembly, tray delivery and pick-up, special requests and needs, in-between meal food delivery, answering the phone for patient wants/needs, and processing of soiled equipment and utensils through the dish machine or by manual washing.

Responsibilities

• Assembles and delivers meal trays to patient care units, including late trays, room service meal trays, and nourishments for general and therapeutic diets.
• Washes and sanitizes soiled pans, dishes, utensils, and other equipment.
• Assists with the assembly of home delivered meals (Meals on Wheels).
• Sets up and maintains food serving areas according to department guidelines.
• Notifies appropriate staff of any shortage in food to avoid interruption in service.
• Prepares and serves all food items according to therapeutic diets, standardized recipes, menus, and service guidelines including quality and appearance.
• Follows HACCP techniques and other food safety guidelines in preparation, storage, handling, and holding of all food items including leftovers.
• Covers, dates, and labels all food items in storage.
• Rotates food products and other items on a “first-in, first-out” basis.
• Maintains quality monitor records related to food and equipment to ensure food safety.
• Assists with catered functions as needed.
• Completes restocking of work area to include supplies, condiments, silverware, and dishware as needed according to departmental procedure.
• Demonstrates ability to operate and maintain all equipment in work unit according to skills checklist and/or operating manual.
• Checks equipment to ensure proper operation and reports any problems to supervisor or maintenance by completing a work order.
• Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of work areas according to department checklists.
• Disposes of waste (regular trash, recycling, pop cans/bottles, hazardous or medical waste) and soiled service ware according to hospital procedure.
• Follows department procedure for filling and recording interdepartmental supply requests.
• Supports efficient use of department resources.
• Demonstrates effective communication skills by respectfully sharing necessary information to customers, co-workers, and supervisors in a timely manner.
• Answers phone, routes calls, and takes messages in a courteous and timely manner.
• Provides assistance to customers and co-workers in a courteous and cooperative manner.
• Attends department and unit meetings, in-services, training sessions, and huddles.
• Incorporates new information and technology into work routine.
• Participates in effective training and orientation of co-workers.
• Maintains patient and organizational confidentiality.
• Notifies supervisor or other appropriate personnel of an unsafe work environment.
• Dresses in a professional manner, according to departmental policy, wearing appropriate uniform, practices good personal hygiene, and wears identification badge at all times.
• Communicates with and performs duties following Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa Guiding Behaviors.
• Supports and abides by all health center departmental and safety policies and procedures.
• Acts in a professional manner reflecting the mission, philosophy, and values of Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa and the Sisters of Mercy.
• Performs other responsibilities as requested by the Food Service Supervisor or Director of Nutrition Services.
• May be requested to transport food items between campuses and for catered events using hospital vehicle.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent certificate preferred.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform detailed assignments, follow directions, work under pressure, and readily adapt to change in routine and work assignments.
• Provide proof of Mandatory Reporting via current certificate or complete the course within 6 months of hire. To be renewed every five years.
• Possession of valid driver’s license preferred.

Machines, Tools, and Equipment

Miscellaneous food preparation and computer service equipment.

Schedule

Part-time, rotating shift.