Nutrition Attendant - Per Diem

CH_050 Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca, Inc.; Hayts Corner (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Cayuga Health is seeking a Nutrition Attendant to support patient meals and food service across units at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY. No prior food service or healthcare experience is required; paid training and certification opportunities are provided.

This per diem role supports evenings and occasional travel between Cayuga Health campuses. Responsibilities include assembling meals, maintaining sanitation, assisting with retail dining and events, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or appropriate working papers (for minors).
• Willingness to learn and participate in on-the-job training.
• No prior food service or healthcare experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and deliver patient meals using proper portion control.
• Wash and sanitize dishes, utensils, and equipment.
• Interact with patients and families to support satisfaction and person-centered service.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment throughout service periods.
• Assist with catering functions and special events as needed.

Skills

Food safety procedures

Fast-paced environment

On-the-job training

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree in Nutrition/Hospitality/healthcare

Job description

About Cayuga Health Cayuga Health offers patient‑centered, comprehensive health services at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca; Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls; and more than 40 medical offices in the Finger Lakes and Central New York. Cayuga Health employs more than 450 providers from 40+ specialties. Additional services include a neo‑natal intensive care unit, a home health care agency, an addiction recovery organization, and a skilled nursing facility. Cayuga Health is a member of Centralus Health, a community‑based integrated delivery system. Our mission is to deliver high‑quality care, empower our teams to succeed, and improve the wellbeing of the communities we serve. Our commitment to quality personalized care begins with our exceptional team—over 6500 employees strong. At Cayuga Health, you will work in a collaborative environment that values excellence, integrity, compassion and stewardship. Together, we create an environment where empathy, honesty and a dedication to quality thrive, empowering us to make a positive impact on the lives we touch. We offer competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and professional development opportunities to help our employees grow and thrive. Whether you are just starting your career or taking the next step in healthcare, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of care in our communities. Learn more at www.cayugahealth.org.

Role Summary

The Nutrition Attendant supports patient care by assembling and delivering meals, maintaining sanitation standards, and assisting with food service operations across hospital units and retail dining areas. This role works collaboratively to provide safe, high‑quality, and person‑centered food service while meeting all local, state, and federal regulatory requirements. No prior experience is required-paid training and certification opportunities are provided.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assemble and deliver patient meals using proper portion control and allergen awareness
• Wash and sanitize dishes, utensils, and equipment using industrial dish machines in accordance with safety standards
• Interact directly with patients and families to support satisfaction and person‑centered service
• Manage, collect, and deliver nutrition supplies to hospital units as needed
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment throughout service periods
• Adhere to departmental policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Support retail food service operations, including food preparation, service, and cash handling when assigned
• Assist with catering functions and special events as needed
• Communicate effectively and contribute to a collaborative, team‑based work environment
• Demonstrate flexibility by assisting with other related duties as operational needs require

Required Skills and Experience

• High School Diploma, GED, or appropriate working papers (for minors)
• Ability to follow food safety procedures and work in a fast‑paced environment
• Willingness to learn and participate in on‑the‑job training
• No prior food service or healthcare experience is required.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• One year of food service or nutrition experience, preferably in a healthcare setting
• Associate degree in Nutrition, Hospitality, or a healthcare‑related field
• Preferred skills are not required to be considered for this role.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

• Standing for extended periods of time
• Lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds
• Reaching, bending, and repetitive motions
• Working in environments with exposure to heat, cold, loud noise, wet or slippery surfaces, and sharp objects

Location, Travel and Shift Requirements

Location: Onsite at Cayuga Medical Center- 101 Dates Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850

Shift: Per Diem - Evenings As Scheduled

Periodic travel to other Cayuga Health campuses may be required.

Pay Range Disclosure

Standard rate of $17.00 - $22.10 per hour

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Centralus and its affiliates are committed to treating all patients, providers, staff and volunteers equitably and with dignity, ensuring the highest levels of safety, care and respect, and striving to recognize and overcome biases and policies that contribute to disparities in healthcare access, equitable care and positive health outcomes for all. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, supporting the growth and health of our employees and community by embracing the rich diversity, needs and circumstances of all peoples and prioritizing opportunities to build a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable protected characteristics.

Accommodation Contact

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre‑employment testing, a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the Centralus Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail].

We're excited you're considering joining our team. At Centralus Health, we foster a culture of care, trust, and belonging. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to grow and thrive in your career while making meaningful connections with patients, families, colleagues, and communities.