Food and Nutrition Catering Associate - Patient Meal Service Assistant - Full Time (12 hr shifts, 6:30a - 6:30p, E/0 Weekend, Rotating Holidays)

Provides personalized meal service to hospitalized patients of all ages, including those who are NPO or on tube feedings. Responsibilities include direct patient contact to assist with bedside meal selections, dietary needs, and special requests using an electronic device, as well as serving meals, stocking nourishment rooms, tray assembly, delivery and pick-up, and cleaning patient dishware.

Responsibilities

• Aware of all Frederick Health Hospital diets and guidelines for appropriate meal options.
• Records patient selections using a computer-based menu system; capable of using paper tickets when needed.
• Works directly with patients in selecting meals, including late admits.
• Interacts with Nursing to ensure patients’ diet prescriptions are accurate and dietary needs are met.
• Maintains accurate and current information for each patient on assigned unit(s).
• Assists dietitian with monitoring patients who are NPO, on liquid diets, or have a calorie count ordered; posts calorie count tickets on doors for documentation.
• Uses two-patient identifiers to verify the correct meal is delivered to the right patient.
• Ensures patient menu selections for lunch are taken no more than 1.5 hours prior to tray assembly, and dinner selections no more than 2 hours prior; both must be completed 30 minutes before assembly. Breakfast selections are offered either in the afternoon (for 12-hour shifts) or after dinner tray pick-up.
• Introduces meal service and menu options, offering alternatives as allowed by prescribed diet, including accommodations for food allergies, cultural, ethnic, and religious preferences.
• Manages patient complaints properly and escalates to management when necessary.
• Provides patients with basic information about what to expect during their hospital stay.
• Follows HACCP guidelines for assembling and distributing food supplies to ensure quality and safety.
• Utilizes equipment according to department safety procedures.
• Adheres to Frederick Health Hospital and departmental safety policies, including incident reporting.
• Identifies and uses cleaning chemicals following manufacturer directions and department safety procedures.

Requirements

• Proficiency in computer software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook Email, API, Meditech, and Computrition.
• Must possess or be able to learn basic diet knowledge, including modified diets, and demonstrate understanding by adjusting patient menus accordingly.
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Attention to detail while providing excellent personalized service.
• Ability to identify solutions to service issues and use critical thinking to resolve them in a timely manner.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with patients, families, managers, and co-workers of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• One year of previous food service experience working directly with customers, clients, or patients, preferably in an acute care setting.

Patient Contact

Must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skills in providing appropriate care for patients in the following age groups:

• Neonate (0 through 30 days)
• Infant (31 through 12 months)
• Child (13 months through 12 years)
• Adolescent (13 through 17 years)
• Adult (18 through 65 years)
• Geriatric (66+ years)

Physical Demands

• Medium-Heavy Work – Lifting up to 75 pounds infrequently (less than one lift every three minutes) and/or carrying up to 35 pounds while walking.
• Pushing or pulling up to 115 pounds infrequently or greater than 115 pounds occasionally (no more than once per hour).

Ergonomic Risk Factors:

• Repetition: Repeating the same motion may place stress on muscles and tendons, depending on frequency, speed, force, and muscles involved.
• Awkward Posture: Includes repeated or prolonged reaching, twisting, bending, kneeling, squatting, working overhead, or holding fixed positions.

Working Conditions: Category B – May have exposure to blood or body fluids.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance offered the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment for employees working at least 20 hours per week.
• Employer-paid life insurance, short-term income replacement, and long-term disability for eligible employees.
• Robust Paid Time Off program for eligible employees.
• 403B retirement plan with employer match for eligible employees.
• Free financial planning sessions for all employees.
• Educational assistance program to support education goals.
• Employer-paid Employee Assistance Program.

Pay

Pay is based on experience, skills, and education. Hourly range: $17.69 - $23.08. Non-exempt positions may include shift differential and/or overtime pay, if applicable.

Schedule

Full-time, 12-hour shifts from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, every other weekend, with rotating holidays.