Job Food & Nutrition Associate

Job Title

Food and Nutrition Associate

Job Description

The Food and Nutrition Associate prepares, portions, and serves food items for patients on general and modified diets as well as for retail food service and catering operations. This role assists with meal assembly, food service station setup, and food distribution while maintaining high standards of food safety, sanitation, and customer service.

The Food Service Worker ensures compliance with food safety and infection control policies, supports meal service operations, and maintains a clean and organized work environment to support the overall goals of the Food and Nutrition Services department.

Responsibilities

Food Preparation and Meal Service:

• Prepare, portion, and serve food items for patient meals, retail service, and catering operations.
• Set up meal service stations and ensure appropriate food presentation and portion control.
• Assemble and serve meals according to selected menus and dietary guidelines.
• Assist with patient tray assembly and food distribution as needed.

Food Handling and Safety:

• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection control policies and procedures.
• Perform proper and frequent hand hygiene and use protective equipment to prevent transmission of foodborne illnesses.
• Take and record temperatures of food and food service equipment and document results according to department procedures.
• Use FIFO (First-In, First-Out) protocols for food storage and rotation.
• Label and date food items appropriately.

Equipment Operation and Dishwashing:

• Load, operate, and unload commercial dishwashing equipment.
• Wash dishes, flatware, and serving utensils according to sanitation standards.
• Operate selected food production or service equipment as needed.
• May operate a cash register to process and verify payments for retail food services.

Inventory and Food Storage:

• Receive deliveries and store food items and supplies appropriately.
• Requisition or retrieve ingredients from storage areas according to menu or recipe requirements.
• Ensure proper labeling, dating, and storage of food products.

Cleaning and Sanitation:

• Maintain clean and sanitary food preparation areas and equipment.
• Clean and organize work areas throughout the shift.
• Mop floors, wash tables, counters, walls, and kitchen surfaces.
• Empty and clean trash containers and remove waste from kitchen areas.

Transportation and Meal Delivery:

• Transport food carts to patient care units and other hospital locations as required.
• Ensure food items are delivered in accordance with department procedures.

Customer Service and Team Communication:

• Report concerns related to food quality, service issues, or patient/customer feedback.
• Communicate recommendations for service improvements to supervisors.
• May receive training to assist with basic cooking or baking tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support department operations.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

Experience:

• One (1) year of food service experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.
• Demonstrated skills in customer service, critical thinking, and problem solving.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to make sound judgments while processing information quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer skills including the ability to:
• Log in and out of workstations
• Check email
• Complete online employee training modules.

Physical Requirements (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks. Environmental factors: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare's Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.