Job Description

Position Summary

Hours Include the Following: 6:30am - 3:00pm, 7am - 3:30pm, 9am - 5:30pm, 10:30am - 7pm and 1pm - 9:30pm

We are seeking a dedicated and service-oriented Food Service Associate I to join our Food and Nutrition Services team. In this role, you will support patient care by accurately assembling and delivering patient meal trays, maintaining food service operations, and ensuring the highest standards of sanitation and safety. This position plays a critical role in providing an exceptional patient experience through quality service, attention to detail, and compliance with dietary requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Meal Assembly & Service

• Assemble high-volume patient meal trays accurately and efficiently according to meal tickets and required delivery times.
• Utilize proper serving utensils and portion control standards.
• Ensure food items are placed correctly on meal trays.
• Read, interpret, and assemble trays for both regular and modified diets.
• Distinguish between standard and therapeutic food items and recognize dietary modifications and liquid consistency requirements.
• Support safe food handling practices and compliance with prescribed dietary needs

Ware Washing & Sanitation

• Operate and maintain dish machines, pot washing stations, and sanitation equipment.
• Monitor and document dish machine temperatures according to department procedures.
• Clean and sanitize pots, pans, utensils, and food service equipment using approved cleaning solutions.
• Test and maintain sanitizer levels in pot washing areas.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment, including timely trash removal and proper disposal of cardboard and waste materials.
• Follow all departmental sanitation procedures and infection prevention standards.

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all organizational safety standards, State Board of Health regulations, and regulatory agency requirements.
• Maintain proper food holding, serving, and storage temperatures.
• Prevent cross-contamination through proper food handling procedures.
• Date, label, and rotate food products appropriately.
• Wear required personal protective equipment, including gloves and protective clothing.
• Report unsafe conditions, hazards, or safety concerns promptly.

Customer Service & Teamwork

• Demonstrate organizational core values through every interaction.
• Provide compassionate, respectful service to patients, families, visitors, and team members.
• Collaborate effectively with Food and Nutrition Services staff and other departments.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Candidates currently enrolled in high school may also be considered.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of food service and sanitation practices preferred.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, push, pull, carry, reach, twist, stoop, and climb throughout the workday.
• Must be able to hear, see, speak, and ambulate independently.
• Must successfully pass required pre-employment screenings.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to infectious materials from returned patient trays.
• Exposure to commercial kitchen equipment, cleaning chemicals, and sanitation products.
• Frequent exposure to varying temperatures, including hot food service areas, refrigerators, and freezers.

Why Join Us?

Join a team committed to delivering exceptional patient care through quality food service, teamwork, safety, and compassion. Your work directly contributes to the comfort and well-being of our patients every day.

This position has a starting rate of $17.80 per hour, regardless of prior experience. After six months of continuous employment, the hourly rate will automatically increase to $20.90 per hour. After one year of continuous employment, the hourly rate will automatically increase to $21.93 per hour.

This pay rate/range represents ChristianaCare’s good faith and reasonable estimate of compensation at the time of posting. The actual salary within this range offered to a successful candidate will depend on individual factors including without limitation skills, relevant experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.

Christiana Care Health System is an equal opportunity employer, firmly committed to prohibiting discrimination, whose staff is reflective of its community, and considers qualified applicants for open positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Post End Date

Sep 19, 2026

EEO Posting Statement

ChristianaCare offers a competitive suite of employee benefits to maximize the wellness of you and your family, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement, an employee assistance program. To learn more about our benefits for eligible positions visit https://careers.christianacare.org/benefits-compensation/