Catering Assistant PRN

Trinityhealth; Mason City (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa is seeking a part-time Food Service Assistant to support patient meals on assigned units, assemble trays, deliver and retrieve items, and handle special requests. The role includes rotating shift schedules and requires attention to meal timing and dietary guidelines.

The position involves preparing and serving food per diets, maintaining serving areas, and following safety standards, including HACCP.

Qualifications

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform detailed assignments, follow directions, and adapt to changes.
• Provide proof of Mandatory Reporting within 6 months of hire; renewal every five years.
• Possession of a valid driver's license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assembles and delivers meal trays to patient units, including late trays and nourishments.
• Washes and sanitizes pans, dishes, utensils and other equipment.
• Assists with home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels).
• Sets up and maintains food serving areas per department guidelines; notifies staff of shortages.
• Prepares and serves all food items according to diets, recipes and guidelines.
• Follows HACCP and other safety guidelines for storage, handling and leftovers.
• Labels and rotates food items in storage using FIFO.
• Maintains cleanliness and records related to food and equipment.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Attention to detail

Mandatory reporting knowledge

Driver's license preferred

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Employment Type:

Part time Shift:

Rotating Shift

Description:

Posting Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for patient food service on assigned units, e.g., menu selections, tray assembly, tray delivery and pick up, special requests and needs, in-between meal food delivery, answering the phone for patient wants/needs, and processing of soiled equipment and utensils through the dish machine or by manual washing.

III. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• A. Assembles and delivers meal trays to patient care units, including late trays, room service meal trays, and nourishments for general and therapeutic diets.
• B. Washes and sanitizes soiled pans, dishes, utensils, and other equipment.
• C. Assists with the assembly of home delivered meals (Meals on Wheels).
• D. Sets up and maintains food serving areas according to department guidelines. Notifies appropriate staff of any shortage in food to avoid interruption in service.
• E. Prepares and serves all food items according to therapeutic diets, standardized recipes, menus and service guidelines including quality and appearance.
• F. Follows HACCP techniques and other food safety guidelines in preparation, storage, handling, and holding of all food items including leftovers.
• G. Covers, dates, and labels all food items in storage. Rotates food products and other items on a "first-in, first-out" basis.
• H. Maintains quality monitor records related to food and equipment to ensure food safety.
• I. Assists with catered functions as needed.
• J. Completes restocking of work area to include supplies, condiments, silverware and dishware as needed according to departmental procedure.
• K. Demonstrates ability to operate and maintain all equipment in work unit according to skills checklist and/or operating manual. Checks equipment to ensure proper operation and reports any problems to supervisor or maintenance by completing a work order.
• L. Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of work areas according to department checklists.
• M. Disposes of waste (regular trash, recycling, pop cans/bottles, hazardous or medical waste) and soiled service ware according to hospital procedure.
• N. Follows department procedure for filling and recording interdepartmental supply requests.
• O. Supports efficient use of department resources.
• P. Demonstrates effective communication skills by respectfully sharing necessary information to customers, co-workers and supervisors in a timely manner.
• Q. Answers phone, routes calls and takes messages in a courteous and timely manner.
• R. Provides assistance to customers and co-workers in a courteous and cooperative manner.
• S. Attends department and unit meetings, in-services, training sessions, and huddles
• T. Incorporates new information and technology into work routine.
• U. Participates in effective training and orientation of co-workers.
• V. Maintains patient and organizational confidentiality.
• W. Notifies supervisor or other appropriate personnel of an unsafe work environment.
• X. Dresses in a professional manner, according to departmental policy, wearing appropriate uniform, practices good personal hygiene and wears identification badge at all times.
• Y. Communicates with and performs duties following Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa Guiding Behaviors.
• Z. Supports and abides by all health center departmental and safety policies and procedures.
• AA. Acts in a professional manner reflecting the mission, philosophy and values of Mercy Medical Center -North Iowa and the Sisters of Mercy.
• BB. Performs other responsibilities as requested by the Food Service Supervisor or Director of Nutrition Services.

IV. ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

• A. May be requested to transport food items between campuses and for catered events using hospital vehicle.

V. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• A. Education:
• 1. High school diploma or equivalent certificate preferred.
• B. Special Skills, Competencies, and Aptitudes
• 1. Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• 2. Ability to perform detailed assignments, follow directions, work under pressure, and readily adapt to change in routine and work assignments.
• 3. Provide proof of Mandatory Reporting via current certificate or complete the course within 6 months of hire. To be renewed every five years.
• 4. Possession of valid drivers license preferred.

VI. Machines, Tools and Equipment

(List machines, tools and equipment that serve a major function of the job, use group titles of equipment, identify unique or specialized equipment.)

- Misc. Food Preparation an - Computer - Service equipment

Shift: Vary

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientati