Culinary Associate

About the Role

We are looking for a Culinary and Nutritional Service Associate I or II to provide assistance in all culinary functions, ensuring quality nutritional services are delivered daily while maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary environment. This role is vital in creating an exceptional dining experience for residents and supporting our mission to make a difference in healthcare and senior living across Ohio.

Responsibilities

• Performs day-to-day culinary functions to serve meals and snacks that are palatable, appetizing, and provide residents with an exceptional dining experience.
• Assists in serving meals on a timely basis, delivers food carts and trays to designated areas, and works in serveries.
• Serves food in accordance with established portion control procedures.
• Ensures culinary services work areas and equipment are maintained in a clean, sanitary, and safe manner.
• Assists in daily or scheduled cleaning duties (e.g., cleaning work stations, counters, refrigerators/freezers, sweeping and mopping floors, washing dishes, removing garbage).
• Assists in executing special events, including planning and preparation.
• Distributes, collects, and counts menus as necessary.
• Ensures quality assurance, infection control, and universal precaution practices are maintained.
• Maintains confidentiality of resident care information.
• Shares observations and insights to improve departmental quality and efficiency.
• Attends all-employee and departmental meetings, as well as in-service training.
• Listens and responds to the needs of residents and staff, helping them feel welcome and comfortable.
• Maintains current and accurate records using computers and documentation in accordance with company and regulatory standards.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Food service experience is a plus but not required; on-the-job training provided.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Working Conditions

• Sitting: Up to 2 hours/day
• Standing: Up to 8 hours/day
• Walking: Up to 8 hours/day
• Lifting, transferring, pushing, or pulling residents/patients or equipment/supplies: Up to 50 pounds
• Work weekends, evenings, and holidays as scheduled.
• Exposure to falls, burns, odors, and cuts during the workday.
• Subject to sudden temperature changes when entering/leaving refrigerator/freezer.
• Occasional interaction with residents/patients with various disease processes.
• May be exposed to infectious waste, disease, and conditions, including AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• Risk Category for Exposure to Bloodborne Diseases: II