Food Services Associate

University Health Network; Toronto; On-site; CAD 37,016 - 37,815; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive offer packages

Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan

Corporate discounts

On-site gyms

Job summary

The University Health Network in Toronto is seeking a dedicated Food Services Associate to join the Nutrition Services team. This permanent full-time position requires preparation and delivery of meals while ensuring compliance with stringent food safety standards.

The ideal candidate holds a High School diploma and a Food Service Worker Certification. Responsibilities include assembling patient trays, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, and supporting nutritional needs to enhance patient well-being.

Competitive benefits include membership in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan and various corporate discounts.

Qualifications

• High School diploma and Food Service Worker Certification preferred.
• Proficiency in English and basic math skills.
• Ability to prepare basic recipes and knowledge of food service equipment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver meals according to safety protocols.
• Assemble patient trays accurately based on orders.
• Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen and serving areas.
• Comply with food safety and infection control procedures.

Skills

Food preparation

Teamwork

Communication skills

Basic mathematical skills

Food safety knowledge

Education

High School diploma

Food Service Worker Certification

Advanced Food Handler's Certification

Tools

Food service equipment

Job description

Job Details

• Union: SEIU Service
• Number of vacancies: 1
• New or Replacement Position: Replacement
• Site: West Park Healthcare Centre
• Department: Nutrition Services
• Reports to: Manager, Nutrition Services
• Hours: 1 FTE
• Wage Range: $26.87 to $27.45 per hour (Start rate non‑negotiable)
• Shifts: Weekdays & Alternating Weekends 7:00am - 3:00pm
• Status: Permanent Full‑Time
• Closing Date: June 18, 2026

Position Summary

This role involves ensuring patient and food safety while providing a satisfying meal experience in a healthcare setting. Responsibilities include preparing and delivering meals, assembling patient trays accurately, maintaining cleanliness and sanitation, following food handling and infection control procedures, and operating kitchen equipment. The goal is to meet dietary needs, prevent contamination, and contribute to patients' well‑being.

Duties

• Preparing and portioning menu items such as sandwiches, salads, desserts, entrees, soups, vegetables, and tube feeds based on tallies.
• Assemble food and drinks on the patient tray line according to written tray ticket orders.
• Assembling bulk supplies and delivering to patient units.
• Setting up, tidying, restocking, and cleaning the serving station. Sanitizing kitchen equipment and surfaces.
• Completing special cleaning tasks as needed to meet health department standards.
• Completing meal trays by adding beverages, ice cream, or bananas at the pantry level to fulfill orders. Recording food temperatures, delivering completed meal trays to patient bedside, and ensuring accurate patient identification. Distributing water jugs and snacks as required.
• Managing food cart delivery and pickup.
• Participating in dishwashing through rotations, including tasks such as stripping the line, offloading, racking dirty dishes, and cleaning cutlery. Responsible for dishwasher and Salvajor operation and cleaning. Ensuring the dishwashing area is clean by the end of the day. Managing garbage as needed.
• Loading dish caddies with clean dishes, utensils, domes, and trays for patient meal service. Returning them to kitchen preparation and serving areas.
• Following strict food safety and infection control protocols.
• Strictly adhering to established food safety, handling, and infection control procedures. Regular hand washing is required.
• Performing various tasks as a Food Services Associate, with flexibility for different shifts, including days, evenings, and weekends.
• The role encompasses food preparation, assembling trays, maintaining cleanliness, dishwashing, and following safety protocols across different shifts. Its aim is to facilitate efficient food service operations while ensuring safety and hygiene and executing additional assigned duties.

Qualifications

• High School (Grade 12) diploma and Certification as a Food Service Worker (FSW) preferred.
• Completion and renewal (every 5 years) of the Advanced Food Handler's Certification.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English, as well as comprehension skills and basic mathematical skills.
• Ability to prepare and mix basic recipes and knowledge of food service equipment use and maintenance.
• Effective teamwork and minimal supervision skills.
• Physical capability to meet food production targets and timelines.
• Previous experience in food handling, preferably in a commercial food operation, especially healthcare.
• Familiarity with therapeutic diets and typical Canadian foods (preparation and content).
• Availability to work every other weekend AM and PM.
• Flexibility for variable shifts and portering assignments. Alignment with the center's core values and commitment to patient well‑being.
• Satisfactory work record as part of the qualification assessment.
• Awareness of factors affecting the safety of patients, staff, and visitors.

Benefits

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• Close access to transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on‑site gyms, etc.)

EEO Statement

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.