Liaison - Patient Meal Services - Part Time - Flexible Hours - 12:00pm – 8:30pm - M - F and every other weekend

This includes introducing patients to the Room Service program and meal ordering process and entering meal selections into NFS software systems (in compliance with therapeutic diets and food allergies). Also includes taking Room Service calls and consistently providing service in a professional, courteous, and efficient manner.

Required to follow all safety guidelines, including confirming patient identity by using two patient identifiers, confirming meal accuracy and appropriately following infection prevention practices, including when Isolation precautions are in place.

Takes ownership of unit assignment with minimal supervision. Functions as the NFS liaison between the patient and the care team, representing the hospital and department in a professional and caring manner. Delivers nutrition supplies to units as required and follows safety protocols regarding expiration dates.

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Ensures the Safety of Patients and Team Members:

• Washes hands frequently and wears gloves appropriately.
• Performs hand hygiene upon entering and exiting patient rooms.
• Follows infection prevention practices, including personal hygiene expectations and reports potential risks.
• Maintains all work areas in a clean and organized manner, free of spills and fall hazards.
• Delivers patient meal trays and verifies patient identity using two patient identifiers.
• Verifies menu selections are accurate and compliant with the patient’s diet order and food allergies.
• Escalates food allergy and diet consistency concerns to N&FS Leadership and/or Clinical Dietitian.
• Promptly reports adverse food reactions.
• Stores food and/or supplies using proper labeling, dating and rotation methods.
• Operates equipment according to all safety guidelines and escalates any unsafe conditions.
• Uses IT equipment appropriately and protects confidential information.

Ensures Positive Service Outcomes:

• Follows dept. work schedule and arrives at the workstation prior to task start time.
• Sets up, maintains, and breaks down workstation according to area requirements.
• Follows written and verbal instructions with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Completes area checklists and forms, as assigned.
• Operates and cares for equipment according to manufacturer’s and area-specific guidelines.
• Assesses patient’s ability to utilize the meal order system and follows up with appropriate staff member if unable to fully participate.
• Assists patients with menu selections as needed, considering food preferences, allergies and other diet information.
• Enters menu selections in the N&FS software accurately and in a timely manner.
• Reviews and appropriately responds to reports and N&FS orders from the electronic medical record.
• Appropriately utilizes all N&FS software and adapts and learns new systems.
• Learns and carries out computer downtime procedures appropriate for assignment.
• Verifies patient satisfaction with meals and conducts internal patient satisfaction surveys, as requested.
• Delivers meals to patients that meet their needs according to their cultural, spiritual, ethnic and age-specific considerations.
• As required, delivers meals to patients on Isolation precautions and follows all Infection Prevention guidelines.
• Retrieves dirty trays from patient rooms and assists with soiled meal tray carts on patient floors.
• Prepares and delivers snacks to patients and/or nursing units, as required.
• Performs dept. duties to include Dishroom, rolling silverware, floor stock replenishment, supplies requisitions, break room and general clean up.
• Remains flexible to support other Team Members across the dept. to achieve desired service outcomes.
• Intervenes and resolves customer service issues as necessary; uses judgment to escalate customer service concerns to supervisor when needed.

Engages in Efforts to Create a World Class Work Environment:

• Follows work area’s uniform specifications.
• Collaborates with Team Members and leadership to meet the goals and objectives of the dept. and hospital.
• Communicates in a respectful manner and in terms that are clear and concise.
• Respects the cultural traditions of Team Members, patients and customers.
• Maintains competency in N&FS software and associated equipment utilized for patient meal services.