Culinary Associate II/Cafeteria - Culinary/Nutrition

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

Job summary

Kettering Health in Dayton, OH is seeking a Culinary Associate II to support patient meals and dining operations in a fast-paced hospital setting. The role emphasizes safety, sanitation, accuracy, and courteous patient interactions.

Responsibilities include following standardized recipes, operating kitchen equipment, documenting temperatures and records, and assisting with catering and special events as needed.

Qualifications

• No formal education required.
• No work experience required.
• Licenses/certifications not specified.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, assemble, and serve food and beverages for patients, staff, and visitors in accordance with standardized recipes and portion guidelines.
• Operate, clean, and maintain kitchen equipment and work areas to ensure compliance with sanitation and safety standards.
• Follow food safety and infection control protocols, including proper storage, handling, and temperature monitoring of food items.
• Document food temperatures, refrigerator/freezer readings, and other required records accurately and in a timely manner.
• Restock supplies and maintain organized workstations to support efficient food service operations.
• Interact courteously and professionally with patients, staff, and visitors, responding to requests and resolving basic concerns.
• Handle cash register operations, process transactions, and maintain accurate cash handling procedures as assigned.
• Assist with catering, retail, and special event food service as needed.
• Adhere to organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and quality standards, including HIPAA and patient confidentiality when applicable.
• Report equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or supply shortages promptly to appropriate personnel.
• Participate in ongoing training and quality improvement initiatives related to food service operations.
• Support team members by assisting with additional duties or coverage as needed to ensure continuous service.

Skills

Basic food preparation and service

Food safety and HACCP

Operate kitchen equipment

Verbal communication and customer etc

Follow recipes

Math and cash handling

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Record keeping

Job description

Job Details

Kettering Health | Dayton | PRN/Resource | Varied Shifts

Responsibilities & Requirements

The Culinary Associate II supports patient care and operational reliability by preparing, assembling, and serving food in accordance with safety and quality standards. This role ensures a clean, sanitary, and welcoming environment while interacting with patients, staff, and visitors to promote a positive dining experience. 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

Required Work Experience:

• None

Required Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations:

• Not Specified

Skills:

• Basic food preparation and service techniques
• knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards (e.g., HACCP)
• ability to operate kitchen equipment safely
• effective verbal communication and customer service skills
• ability to follow instructions and standardized recipes
• basic math and cash handling skills
• attention to detail
• ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.

Essential Functions:

• Prepare, assemble, and serve food and beverages for patients, staff, and visitors in accordance with standardized recipes and portion guidelines.
• Operate, clean, and maintain kitchen equipment and work areas to ensure compliance with sanitation and safety standards.
• Follow food safety and infection control protocols, including proper storage, handling, and temperature monitoring of food items.
• Document food temperatures, refrigerator/freezer readings, and other required records accurately and in a timely manner.
• Restock supplies and maintain organized workstations to support efficient food service operations.
• Interact courteously and professionally with patients, staff, and visitors, responding to requests and resolving basic concerns.
• Handle cash register operations, process transactions, and maintain accurate cash handling procedures as assigned.
• Assist with catering, retail, and special event food service as needed.
• Adhere to organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and quality standards, including HIPAA and patient confidentiality when applicable.
• Report equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or supply shortages promptly to appropriate personnel.
• Participate in ongoing training and quality improvement initiatives related to food service operations.
• Support team members by assisting with additional duties or coverage as needed to ensure continuous service.

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

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Education:

• High school diploma or GED preferred.

Preferred Work Experience:

• One year of experience in healthcare or institutional food service preferred.
• Six months of experience in food service, hospitality, or customer service, or equivalent combination of experience and training.

Preferred Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations:

• ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification preferred.
• Ability to obtain ServSafe® Food Handler or equivalent food safety certification within 6 months of hire, if not already held.