Meal Attendant

General Summary

Under direct supervision of assistant manager, performs a variety of tasks within the department to ensure that meals are prepared and served to the patients of the Medical System consistent with established department standards.

Patient Services

• Sets up work stations, ensuring all required items are available before the start of the line; breaks down work station and cleans area at the end of the line.
• Informs assistant manager of necessary supplies required before the start of the line.
• Informs assistant manager or cook of the need to replenish food items in a timely manner so that there is no interruption in services.
• Promptly notifies supervisor if items are not available.
• Portions and assembles hot and cold food for patient trays according to departmental recipes, production orders, and dietary prescriptions, using proper garnishes.
• Maintains proper portion control within departmental guidelines and under the assistant manager's direction.
• Works tray line stations, reads patient tray tickets and places items on tray according to what is printed on the ticket.
• Delivers and serves meals and food to patients according to established and posted schedules.
• Delivers food carts to units quickly and quietly; updates and compares the Host Round Sheets with the unit, updates and verifies to insure correct diet order is delivered.
• Knocks on patient's door before entering room; waits for patient responses; greets patients courteously by name; exhibits exemplary customer service skills.
• Maintains posted delivery schedules; reports deviations from the schedule which are greater than 15 minutes to the assistant manager.
• Delivers food and supplies from kitchen to cafeteria and other areas as required according to department procedures and as needed.
• Collects patient trays and carts, returning them to the kitchen at the end of every meal.
• Assists in the scraping and sorting of dishes.

All Functions

• Completes all tasks with minimal assistance, in a timely fashion, and exercises initiative in responding to needs appropriately as they arise.
• Maintains a clean and orderly work environment, ensuring that department standards are met, and that all department activities are conducted in accordance with federal, state, and local health regulations.
• Cleans work areas such as tables, counters, and food storage areas; washes equipment and utensils.
• Follows department procedures to ensure the safe handling of all food items including covering, labeling, and dating of food items.
• Attends mandatory department meetings and in-service education programs as scheduled by the Department and/or Medical System.
• Adheres to all established systems and training programs to provide a safe environment; complies with all OSHA regulations and other local, state and federal regulations.
• Recognizes and adopts activities appropriate to the specific needs of patient/resident population and demonstrates knowledge of specific issues directly related to age of patient/resident population.
• Maintains compliance with standards of operation, and the Business Conduct Guidelines; maintains all records and reports necessary to comply with government and accrediting agency standards, regulations and codes.

Education and Experience

Six months general work experience preferably in a food service setting is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction.
• Basic understanding of and ability to converse effectively using the English language in order to understand and interpret patient menus, department memorandum and customer requests.
• Ability to exercise efficient and rapid eye-hand coordination in the daily performance of work.
• Ability to read tray tickets swiftly and accurately.
• Effective verbal communication skills are necessary in greeting customers/patients and responding accurately to their questions or concerns.