tray passer

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values—integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion—must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

About the role

Performs a variety of routine tasks associated with the timely and accurate assembly of patient trays, the 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. Actual station or zone assignment may vary depending on the schedule, time of day, and/or 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 will work as either a Tray Passer or a Tray Line associate and may be assigned to any position in your designated area according to task assignments within your 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 the 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. Examines trays for completeness, scans filled trays for tracking, and places them on delivery trucks. Maintains service timelines to ensure accurate and timely meal delivery. Breaks down the 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. 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 for timely meal delivery. Upon arrival at a patient’s room, scans the tray ticket, checks tray accuracy, greets the patient, and introduces themselves. Verifies the patient’s name by asking and checking the name band. Acts as a patient advocate by answering questions about food service and providing basic assistance (e.g., opening containers). Notifies nursing staff if further assistance is needed. Takes appropriate action for missing or incorrect food items. Treats all patients with respect and professionalism while informing supervisors of patient issues, errors, or operational concerns affecting care or satisfaction.
• Tray Pickup – 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 food safety. Completes the Nourishment Delivery Sheet 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 food-handling equipment before use and uses/stores cleaning agents properly.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Understanding of basic dietary principles is preferred.
• Hospital food service and customer service experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to read, write, and understand English with legible handwriting.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions to accomplish task assignments during shifts and meet customer needs.
• Outstanding interpersonal and customer relations skills.
• Ability to work with minimal direct supervision.

Physical Demand

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, requiring basic safety precautions. Use of cleaning chemicals necessitates provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).