Culinary Assistant

Lutheran Homes Of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Lutheran Homes Of South Carolina in Columbia is seeking a Culinary Assistant to support the culinary team in delivering high-quality meal services to residents at Rice Estate. You will assist with meal preparation, dining room setup, food service, and ensure compliance with dietary and sanitary regulations while delivering compassionate customer service.

Education: high school diploma; experience in food service or healthcare preferred; ability to work weekends/holidays.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills to interact with residents, families, and staff.
• Attention to detail to follow dietary and sanitary procedures.
• Ability to work as part of a care-focused team and deliver service with empathy.

Responsibilities

• Meal Service: Serve meals ensuring dietary needs and preferences are respected.
• Dining Room Setup and Cleanup: Arrange tables, set up dining area, wipe surfaces, and clear waste.
• Meal Preparation Assistance: Help with basic prep tasks, follow recipes, portioning, and safe handling.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Rice Estate - Columbia, SC 29203

Job Summary

The Culinary Assistant is responsible for supporting the culinary team in delivering high-quality meal services to residents. This role involves meal preparation assistance, dining room setup, food service, and ensuring compliance with dietary and sanitary regulations while providing exceptional customer service.

Duties and Responsibilities

Meal Service (25%)

• Serve food to residents, paying close attention to individual dietary needs and preferences.
• Ensure meals are served promptly and that residents' comfort and dignity are maintained during meal times.

Dining Room Setup and Cleanup (20%)

• Set up the dining room before each meal, ensuring tables are properly arranged and supplies are ready.
• Clean up dining areas after meals, including clearing tables, wiping surfaces, and disposing of waste.

Meal Preparation Assistance (20%)

• Assist the cook with meal preparation, including basic food prep tasks such as chopping, mixing, and portioning.
• Follow established recipes and dietary procedures to ensure meal quality and safety.

Sanitation and Safety Compliance (15%)

• Adhere to all dietary procedures and sanitary regulations, ensuring the kitchen and dining areas are kept clean and organized.
• Follow infection control guidelines to prevent the spread of illness within the facility.

Compliance and Training (10%)

• Follow infection control guidelines and maintain privacy rules and regulations as per HIPAA.
• Attend all meetings and complete in‑services and mandatory training.
• Provide exceptional customer service and high‑quality care by showing compassion and empathy towards residents and their families.

Reporting and Documentation (5%)

• Report any environmental deficiencies, such as equipment issues or safety hazards, to the appropriate personnel.
• Document any incidents or concerns related to food service or resident needs.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• Perform any additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Previous experience in food service or a healthcare setting is preferred.
• Skills: Strong communication skills, attention to detail, ability to work in a team, and a commitment to providing excellent customer service.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Capacity to lift and carry items up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks such as stirring, lifting, and bending.
• Work is performed in a healthcare setting with exposure to kitchen equipment, cleaning chemicals, and potential infectious diseases.
• Must be able to work various shifts, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.