Food Preparer, Per Diem

About the Role

At Samaritan, we do more than deliver healthcare—we make a meaningful difference in the lives of our community every day. We're committed to creating an exceptional workplace where professionals feel valued, supported, and inspired to provide outstanding care to every patient we serve.

The Food Preparer provides friendly, courteous service to visitors and employees, assists in food preparation for patients and personnel, and operates a cash register and kitchen appliances while maintaining high sanitation standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepares fruits, vegetables, salads, condiments, beverages, and desserts for patient trays in a timely, sanitary manner using standardized recipes and minimizing food waste.
• Prepares food items for catering and sets up catering functions.
• Maintains minimal stock of sandwich materials and portions cold foods for tray service; assists in tray assembly.
• Cleans equipment, worktables, ranges, utensils, pots, and pans using proper techniques and cleaning solutions; follows posted cleaning schedules.
• Operates cash register, processes credit card transactions and payroll deductions, and counts change correctly; balances cash drawer after each meal period.
• Tallies patient count by diets in a timely fashion and is familiar with the current Dietary Food Management system.
• Sets up, transports, and serves patient trays in accordance with established schedules and procedures.
• Maintains minimal stock levels in the doctor’s lounge; receives and properly stores food and supplies; rotates stock.
• Works closely with Cook, Diet Assistant, and Registered Dietitian to provide exceptional patient care.
• Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations.
• Follows safe work practices and policies to prevent injuries, including understanding MSDS, equipment safety, infection control, fire, disaster, and safe lifting procedures.
• Ensures compliance with organization policies, procedures, and labor agreements.
• Conducts interactions with team members and support groups in a courteous and efficient manner aligned with organizational values.
• Maintains a professional appearance and demeanor in accordance with Samaritan’s Professional Appearance Policy.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Current Washington State Food Handlers permit.
• One year of food service experience preferred.
• Ability to learn the operation of equipment and simple food preparation techniques.
• Demonstrates competency on department-specific equipment.
• Critical thinking skills: seeks resources for direction, performs independent problem-solving, and makes logical, deliberate decisions.
• Performs actions that demonstrate accountability and exercises safe judgment in decision-making.
• Practices within legal and ethical guidelines.
• Demonstrates competency in caring for customers/patients across the age continuum.

Physical Requirements

• Moderate physical effort (lift/carry up to 25 lbs).
• Frequent prolonged standing/walking.
• Pushes/pulls or moves/lifts heavy equipment and supplies.
• Considerable reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping, and crouching.
• Ability to communicate using verbal and/or written skills for accurate exchange of information with physicians, nurses, healthcare professionals, patients, and the public.

Schedule

This is a per diem position working various shifts from Sunday to Saturday between 6:30 AM and 7:30 PM.

Pay

In lieu of benefits, receive an additional 12% differential.