Ambassador - Culinary/Nutrition

Kettering Health; Troy (OH); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Kettering Health in Troy, OH is seeking a Nutrition Services Ambassador (PRN/Resource) to coordinate and deliver patient meals in alignment with dietary orders. You will act as a liaison between patients and the nutrition team, ensuring accurate meal selection, timely delivery, and adherence to safety standards.

This role emphasizes strong communication, confidentiality under HIPAA, teamwork with clinical staff, and participation in training.

Qualifications

• No formal education required at hire.
• Preferred HS diploma or equivalent.
• 0-2 years in food service or customer service preferred.
• Healthcare setting experience with patient interaction preferred.
• ServSafe or equivalent food safety certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Engage with patients to obtain meal selections that comply with dietary prescriptions.
• Deliver meals to patient rooms with accuracy and timeliness.
• Answer patient questions about meal service and escalate concerns to clinical dietitians.
• Verify patient identity and meal accuracy before delivery.
• Document meal selections, delivery times, and refusals per procedures.
• Maintain sanitation of meal carts, trays, and equipment per safety standards.
• Monitor food temperatures and conduct quality checks as required.
• Collaborate with nutrition services, nursing, and clinical teams.
• Follow HIPAA, OSHA, and organizational privacy and safety policies.
• Participate in training, in-services, and competency assessments.

Skills

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Documentation accuracy

Basic computer skills

HIPAA compliance

Customer service

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Meal entry systems

Job description

Job Details

Kettering Health | Troy | PRN/Resource | Varied Shifts

Responsibilities & Requirements

The Nutrition Services Ambassador supports patient care by coordinating and delivering meals that align with prescribed dietary needs, enhancing patient satisfaction and safety. This role serves as a liaison between patients and the nutrition services team, ensuring accurate meal selection, delivery, and adherence to dietary orders. Performs other duties as assigned. All job responsibilities are to be carried out in alignment with Kettering Health's mission, vision, values, and B Safe program.

Required Education:

• None

Preferred Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Required Work Experience:

• None

Preferred Work Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in food service or customer service.
• Experience in a healthcare setting, especially involving patient interaction.

Preferred Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations:

• ServSafe or equivalent food safety certification.

Required Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations:

• None required at hire;must comply with food safety and handling regulations per state and organizational policy.

Skills:

• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation
• Basic computer or tablet proficiency for meal entry and tracking
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality (HIPAA compliance)
• Customer service orientation
• Ability to work collaboratively with clinical and non-clinical staff

Essential Functions:

• Engage with patients to obtain meal selections that comply with individual dietary prescriptions and restrictions.
• Deliver meals to patient rooms and designated areas, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and excellent customer service.
• Communicate with patients and respond to questions or concerns regarding meal service, escalating dietary or nutrition concerns to clinical dietitians as appropriate.
• Verify patient identification and meal accuracy prior to delivery to ensure safety and compliance with diet orders.
• Document meal selections, delivery times, and any patient refusals or missed meals according to department procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of meal carts, trays, and related equipment in accordance with infection control and food safety standards.
• Monitor and record food temperatures and other quality control measures as required by policy.
• Collaborate with nutrition services, nursing, and clinical teams to support coordinated patient care.
• Adhere to all HIPAA, OSHA, and organizational policies regarding patient confidentiality and workplace safety.
• Participate in required training, in-services, and competency assessments to maintain compliance and service quality.

Competencies:

• Employee uses PPE per Culinary and Nutrition Care policy
• Employee provides excellent customer service to both internal and external customers, per KHN standards
• Employee washes hands per KHN policy