tray line

About the Role

Performs a variety of routine tasks associated with the timely and accurate assembly of patient trays, delivery and pickup of patient food trays to patient rooms, and/or cafeteria-style food service for patients. Prepares and delivers nourishments with accuracy at prearranged times. Station or zone assignment may vary depending on schedule, time of day, and volume of meal tickets processed through the At Your Request (AYR) patient meal service program. May be required to float between stations or zones within the same work shift. All tasks are performed according to departmental procedures and specific task assignments.

Demonstrates outstanding customer service and the Key Behaviors outlined in the Hospital's Core Success Factors in all interactions. As an Ambassador 1, you may work as either a Tray Passer or a Tray Line associate and will be required to perform any position in your assigned area according to task assignments within budgeted hours.

Responsibilities

• Food Preparation - Completes assigned food preparation duties utilizing basic kitchen utensils to cut, mix, assemble, plate, or otherwise prepare sandwiches, salads, fruits, desserts, or other cold food items for patients while maintaining food safety standards.
• Patient Tray Assembly - Sets up assigned station of patient tray line by assembling hot and cold beverages and cold food items. Participates in the assembly of patient trays by reading meal tickets and placing appropriate items on trays. Ensures appropriate food temperatures, adheres to portion control guidelines, and ensures foods are presented attractively. Scans filled trays for tracking records and places them on delivery trucks. Maintains service timelines to ensure accurate and timely delivery of meals. Breaks down station at the end of the assembly period and replenishes food supplies.
• Patient Food Truck Delivery - During peak hours, may transport and retrieve patient tray trucks and food supplies to and from patient care divisions following established procedures to scan, track, and ensure accurate and timely delivery of items. Communicates effectively with Food Service Ambassadors using two-way radios.
• Patient Food Service - Delivers and serves food trays to patients or provides cafeteria food service. Maintains service timelines to ensure timely delivery. Upon arrival at the patient’s room, scans tray tickets and checks trays for accuracy. Greets patients, verifies patient identity, and acts as a patient advocate by answering questions about food service. Provides basic assistance, such as opening containers, and notifies nursing staff if further assistance is needed. Takes appropriate action for missing or incorrect food items. Treats all patients with respect and professionalism. Informs supervisor of patient issues, errors, or operational concerns affecting patient care or satisfaction.
• Tray Pick Up - Picks up dirty trays from patient rooms and units. Performs tray sweeps to ensure all outstanding trays are collected and returned to the dish room for processing. Ensures no trays are left behind.
• Nourishments - Assembles and delivers between-meal feedings, snacks, and box lunches to patients and patient care units, ensuring accuracy and maintaining food safety standards. Completes Nourishment Delivery Sheets and obtains sign-off from floor staff for isolation patients.
• Sanitation and Personal Hygiene - Follows established sanitation and personal hygiene guidelines to prevent the spread of foodborne illness. Maintains a clean work area by adhering to the "clean as you go" policy. Practices proper handwashing techniques at all times. Cleans and sanitizes all food handling equipment prior to use according to standard procedures. Uses and stores cleaning agents properly.

Qualifications

• Education - High School Diploma or GED preferred. Understanding of basic dietary principles is preferred.
• Experience - Hospital food service and customer service experience is preferred.
• Special Skills - Must have a demonstrated ability to read, write, and understand English with legible handwriting. Must be able to follow verbal and written instructions to accomplish tasks during assigned shifts and meet customer needs. Must have outstanding interpersonal and customer relations skills. Must be able to work with minimal direct supervision.

Physical Demands

Moderate physical activity requiring the ability to stand and walk more than 4 hours per day. Must be able to lift, push, and pull carts, pallets, and food supplies (occasionally up to 50 pounds, frequently up to 30 pounds, and/or continuously up to 10 pounds). Work environment may involve exposure to extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and loud noises. Requires following basic safety precautions and using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working with cleaning chemicals.