As an Associate Patient Dining Specialist, you will play a vital role in supporting patients on assigned units within a healthcare setting. Your responsibilities include assisting patients with menu selections, assembling, delivering, and retrieving meal trays while ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and proper temperature. You will be an essential part of the caregiving team, contributing to patient safety and satisfaction.

Essential Functions

• Guide patients through their menu choices and collaborate with nursing staff to ensure compliance with nutritional needs or restrictions.
• Coordinate with caregivers and culinary teams to provide menu alternatives for patients with allergies, sensitivities, or cultural, ethnic, and religious preferences.
• Manage tray tickets and assemble meals accurately and promptly according to patient selections.
• Retrieve trays from patient rooms at designated times.
• Adhere to regulatory standards from federal, state, and local authorities.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold patient rights in accordance with HIPAA policies.
• Follow Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines for food handling, workstation cleaning, and tray line breakdown.
• Comply with infection control policies and procedures.
• Assist dietitians by monitoring patients with special dietary needs, such as liquid diets or calorie restrictions.
• Communicate any patient concerns or issues promptly to appropriate personnel.
• Complete routine cleaning tasks as outlined in food service policies.
• Comply with all health and sanitation regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Knowledge and Skills

• Effective communication skills.
• Basic computer and math abilities.
• Clear verbal communication.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Familiarity with food service operations.

Required Behavioral Skills

• Integrity: Demonstrates honesty and a commitment to doing the right thing.
• Compassion: Shows empathy and provides excellent customer service.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of tasks and adapts to changing priorities.
• Respect: Collaborates effectively with diverse populations and maintains a positive service orientation.
• Excellence: Communicates well, leads teams, and supports process improvements.

Education and Experience

• No formal education or experience required.
• Previous food service experience is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• None required or preferred.

This position offers competitive pay and a generous benefits package. Join a team dedicated to delivering exceptional care and support to patients and their families in a regional healthcare environment within the Midwest.