Job Description

Join Our Food & Nutrition Services Team

We are seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Patient Trayline & Food Service Associate to support patient meal service operations in a fast-paced healthcare environment. This role is responsible for accurately assembling patient meal trays, maintaining food safety and sanitation standards, operating ware-washing equipment, and ensuring a clean and efficient work environment. The ideal candidate is committed to providing quality service while supporting patient care through excellence in food service operations.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Meal Service

• Accurately assemble and deliver patient meal trays according to meal tickets and prescribed dietary requirements.
• Read, interpret, and prepare trays for regular and modified diets, including therapeutic diets and specialized liquid consistencies.
• Ensure proper portion control and correct placement of food items on trays.
• Maintain speed and accuracy to meet established meal delivery timelines.

Sanitation & Ware Washing

• Operate dish machines, pot sinks, and sanitation stations safely and efficiently.
• Wash, sanitize, and properly store pots, pans, utensils, and food service equipment.
• Monitor and document dish machine temperatures according to departmental procedures.
• Test and maintain sanitizing solutions to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas, remove trash promptly, and follow proper disposal procedures.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Follow infection prevention, sanitation, and food safety protocols at all times.
• Maintain proper food holding, serving, and storage temperatures.
• Prevent cross-contamination through proper handling techniques.
• Label, date, and rotate food products according to established guidelines.
• Adhere to all organizational, state, and regulatory agency requirements.

Customer Service & Teamwork

• Demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and respect when interacting with patients, families, visitors, and colleagues.
• Support departmental goals by working collaboratively with team members.
• Uphold organizational core values and contribute to a positive workplace culture.
• Report safety concerns, hazards, or violations promptly to management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Preferred Education

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Candidates currently enrolled in high school are encouraged to apply.

Experience

• Previous food service, dietary, hospitality, or customer service experience is helpful but not required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to read, write, and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Understanding of food service sanitation and safety practices.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, push, pull, lift, carry, stoop, and twist throughout the shift.
• Must be able to work in a physically active food service environment.

Work Environment

• Frequent interaction with Food & Nutrition Services staff and occasional interaction with patients, guests, and healthcare team members.
• Exposure to wet surfaces, cleaning chemicals, food service equipment, and varying temperatures, including refrigerators, freezers, and hot food service areas.
• Potential exposure to infectious materials through returned patient trays and food service operations.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact on the patient experience.
• Work in a mission-driven healthcare environment.
• Be part of a supportive and collaborative team.
• Gain valuable experience in healthcare food and nutrition services.

Apply today and help deliver exceptional service and nourishment to our patients and communities.

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

Oct 13, 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/