Meal Attendant

University of Maryland Medical System; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maryland Medical System in Baltimore is seeking a food service worker to assist in meal preparation and delivery for patients. Responsibilities include setting up workstations, serving meals, and maintaining safety standards. Candidates should have excellent customer service skills and be able to follow instructions effectively.

This role demands a proactive approach to ensure meals are served promptly and accurately, along with basic food service experience and the ability to communicate with a diverse patient population.

Qualifications

• Six months general work experience preferably in a food service setting.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions in English.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers and patients.

Responsibilities

• Set up work stations and ensure all items are available before starting.
• Portion and assemble food for patient trays according to recipes.
• Deliver and serve meals to patients as per schedule.
• Maintain compliance with food safety standards.
• Attend mandatory department meetings and training.

Skills

Customer service skills

Verbal communication

Understanding of food safety

Ability to follow instructions

Education

Six months food service experience

Job description

General Summary

Under direct supervision of assistant manager, performs a variety of tasks within the department to ensure that meals are prepared and served to the patients of the Medical System consistent with established department standards.

Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

Patient Services

• Sets up work stations, ensuring all required items are available before the start of the line. Breaks down work station and cleans area at the end of the line.
• Informs assistant manager of necessary supplies required before the start of the line.
• Informs assistant manager or cook of the need to replenish food items in a timely manner so that there is no interruption in services.
• Promptly notifies supervisor if items are not available.
• Portions and assembles hot and cold food for patient trays according to departmental recipes, production orders, and dietary prescriptions, using proper garnishes.
• Maintains proper portion control within departmental guidelines and under the assistant manager's direction.
• Works tray line stations, reads patient tray tickets and places items on tray according to what is printed on the ticket.
• Delivers and serves meals and food to patients according to established and posted schedules.
• Delivers food carts to units quickly and quietly. Updates and compares the Host Round Sheets with the unit, updates and verifies to insure correct diet order is delivered.
• Knocks on patient’s door before entering room; waits for patients responses; greets patients courteously by name. Exhibits exemplary customer service skills.
• Maintains posted delivery schedules; reports deviations from the schedule which are greater than 15 minutes to the assistant manager.
• Delivers food and supplies from kitchen to cafeteria and other areas as required according to department procedures and as needed.
• Collects patient trays and carts, returning them to the kitchen at the end of every meal.
• Assists in the scraping and sorting of dishes.

All Functions

• Completes all tasks with minimal assistance, in a timely fashion, and exercises initiative in responding to needs appropriately as they arise.
• Maintains a clean and orderly work environment, ensuring that department standards are met, and that all department activities are conducted in accordance with federal, state, and local health regulations.
• Cleans work areas such as tables, counters, and food storage areas; washes equipment and utensils.
• Follows department procedures to ensure the safe handling of all food items including covering, labeling, and dating of food items.
• Attends mandatory department meetings and in-service education programs as scheduled by the Department and /or Medical System.
• Adheres to all established systems and training programs to provide a safe environment. Complies with all OSHA regulations and other local, state and federal regulations.
• Recognizes and adopts activities appropriate to the specific needs of patient/resident population and demonstrates knowledge of specific issues directly related to age of patient/resident population.
• Maintains compliance with standards of operation, and the Business Conduct Guidelines. Maintains all records and reports necessary to comply with, government and accrediting agency standards, regulations and codes.

Education and Experience

• Six months general work experience preferably in a food service setting is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction. Basic understanding of and ability to converse effectively using the English language in order to understand and interpret patient menus, department memorandum and customer requests.
• Ability to exercise efficient and rapid eye-hand coordination in the daily performance of work. Ability to read tray tickets swiftly and accurately.
• Effective verbal communication skills are necessary in greeting customers/patients and responding accurately to their questions or concerns.