Lead Food Service Worker, Trayline

University Hospital; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 27,552 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Medical and Prescription Drug Coverage

Dental and Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account and Flexible Sp

Job summary

University Hospital is seeking a Lead Food Service Worker in Newark, NJ to coordinate tray assembly and delivery for patient meals, ensuring efficient, safe, and cost-effective service.

Responsibilities include leading staff, addressing patient and internal customer needs, and maintaining compliance with regulations. The role emphasizes teamwork, communication, and a commitment to high-quality patient services in a dynamic healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required.
• ServSafe Protection Certification required or must obtain within 6–12 months of employment.
• Two (2) years of work experience in a high-volume food service setting, lead experience preferred.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with a customer service orientation.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet standards in a multicultural environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate tray assembly and delivery for patient meals.
• Create a friendly, welcoming, and safe environment for UH customers.
• Resolve complaints and concerns promptly when possible.
• Organize work processes to meet customer needs and service expectations.
• Serve as a role model for Service Excellence and maintain professional composure.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Attention to detail

Leadership

Multicultural teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

ServSafe Certification

Job description

About The Role

The primary purpose of the Lead Food Service Worker position is to coordinate and oversee tray assembly and delivery system for patient meals, ensuring patient services are provided with efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Service is patient-centered.
• Actively contributes to creating a friendly, welcoming, and safe environment for UH customers.
• Communicates clearly to ensure understanding.
• Responds to complaints and concerns by resolving issues immediately whenever possible.
• Organizes work process to accommodate customer needs, including internal customers and co‑workers, and meets or exceeds customer expectations for service.
• Acts as a role model for Service Excellence, maintains professional composure in the workplace, and works effectively with the team to ensure service scores meet or exceed targets.
• Demonstrates respect for patient rights and oversees patient Trayline and Diet Office Staff.
• Coordinates meal assembly to provide timely, quality patient services and manages Trayline sanitation and safety activities.
• Controls resource utilization and ensures all financial reports are accurately completed in a timely manner per established procedures.
• Assists in staff training and development/performance improvement activities as observed by the Manager of Patient Services and Press Ganey Survey scores.
• Participates in departmental automation processes and assists with planning, implementation, and evaluation of menus and patient services amenities programs.
• Assists with staff training and on-the-job training record documentation, monitoring patient satisfaction and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Monitors dress code compliance of Trayline and Diet Office Staff and adheres to University Hospital’s compliance standards, including the Corporate Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Keeps abreast of all relevant federal, state, and University Hospital regulations, laws, and policies as they exist and change or are modified.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required.
• National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation ServSafe Protection Certification is required, or must obtain a ServSafe Protection Certificate within the first 6 to 12 months of employment and maintain it throughout employment.
• Two (2) years of work experience in a high-volume food service setting, previous lead experience preferred.
• Acts as a liaison between the patient care unit(s) and the Department of Food & Nutrition.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with a customer service and hospitality orientation.
• Attention to detail with appropriate follow‑through.
• Positive and enthusiastic role model, capable of incorporating management by walking around into daily routine.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet standards and time demands, and to establish and maintain effective relationships in a multicultural environment.

What We Offer

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical and Prescription Drug Coverage
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development

Compensation

The expected salary range for this position is $20.06 – $21.18 per hour, in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Law; final compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

About Us

University Hospital is one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers. As the principal teaching affiliate of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and the only state‑certified Level 1 Trauma Center in Northern New Jersey, University Hospital is training the next generation of physicians and advancing scientific discovery while providing exceptional care to patients, regardless of their financial situation.

Apply Today

We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. If you want to grow your career in healthcare while serving a vibrant community, we’d love to meet you.