Culinary Services Associate

Job Description

Job Description

At Mahaska Health, the Culinary Services Associate supports the daily operations of the hospital’s culinary services department by preparing, assembling, and delivering meals that meet patient dietary needs. This role helps maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming food service environment for patients, visitors, and staff. In a rural hospital setting, the Culinary Services Associate often works as part of a small, collaborative team where flexibility and reliability are essential.

• Prepare, portion, and assemble patient meals according to prescribed diets, allergies, and texture modifications.
• Complete tray set-up, salad/sandwich preparation, and procuring food from refrigerator, freezer or other storage location.
• Set-up cafeteria serving line and salad bar.
• Deliver and pick up trays to patient rooms and retrieve them in a timely, courteous manner.
• Patient trays and snacks will be prepared in accordance with physician’s diet order and the dietician-approved menu. Selective menus will also be prepared with the diet order and the menu.
• Assist with food preparation tasks such as washing, chopping, mixing, and measuring ingredients.
• Operate dishwashing equipment and maintain cleanliness of kitchen tools, workstations, and service areas.
• Stock supplies in the kitchen and throughout hospital; store groceries in proper locations upon delivery.
• All food items must be dated and labeled with the month and day. Food will be rotated on first-in-first-out rotation. This position is responsible to check food and supplies for spoilage.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection‑control procedures in compliance with hospital and regulatory standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in food preparation and serving areas.
• Assist with cafeteria service, including simple cooking, serving, and cashiering as needed.
• Participate in cross‑training to support multiple functions within the culinary services department.
• Adhere to health and safety regulations to ensure food safety and sanitation.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Prior food service experience is helpful, especially in healthcare or institutional settings, but not required.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, including diet orders and safety guidelines.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and sanitation practices
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment
• Positive attitude and a genuine passion for serving others through food.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with kitchen staff and healthcare teams.
• Flexible hours to meet the needs of the department. Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays.