Patient Dining Associate

Palomar Health; Escondido (CA); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Palomar Health is seeking a Food Services team member to assist with patient menu selection, tray assembly, and delivery on assigned units. You will work with nursing to ensure diet prescriptions are correct and meet patient needs, while adhering to dietary restrictions and hygiene standards.

The role involves restocking, coordinating with the dietitian on NPO or calorie-counted meals, and handling limited cash for guest meals.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• Valid food handler card from San Diego county required.
• 6 months food service experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient menu selections and tray assembly per MD orders.
• Deliver trays to assigned units and assist with special requests.
• Monitor dietary restrictions and ensure accurate diet orders.
• Maintain HACCP guidelines and cleanliness of areas.
• Record daily/weekly/monthly reports per policy.

Skills

Customer service

English proficiency

Communication

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's Degree or dietary manager certification

Tools

MS Windows

Excel

Access

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

**Department:**Food Services**Union:**CHEU**Shift:**8-hour Shift - Variable (United States of America)**Hours Per Pay Period:**48**Salary Range:**$23.00 - $29.78**Job Description:**Posting Date: 10/06/2026Internal Closing Date: 10/12/2026\\* Internal candidates must apply by midnight on the Closing Date in order to have bidding rights.Performs a variety of duties involved with providing patient menu selection, menu editing, and passing patient trays. Responsible for patient food service on assigned units, e.g., menu selections, tray assembly, tray delivery and pick up, special requests and needs, restocking, and in-between meal food delivery. Complies with dietary restrictions on special, modified diets to ensure optimal food preferences are met within guidelines of diet order limitations. Offers alternatives to menu as allowed on prescribed diet in accordance with food allergies and sensitivities, cultural, ethnic and religious preferences, when patient inquires or needs additional selections. Ensures meal orders are placed in compliance to MD orders. Cleans assigned areas following established practices and procedures for quality, safety and infection control. Limited cash handling (collect money to pay for guest meals, celebration meals etc).Assembles trays according to patients menu on tray tickets in a timely and accurate manner.Interacts with Nursing to ensure patients' diet prescriptions are accurate, and patients' food needs are met.Completes catering rounds after passing trays to inquire if patient needs anything else.Retrieves trays from patients' rooms shortly after completing round.Maintains accurate and current information for each patient on assigned unit(s).Assists dietitian with monitoring of patients who are NPO, on liquid diets or have a calorie count ordered.Communicates any patient related problems/concerns to appropriate personnel, in a timely manner following departmental procedures.Contributes to patient satisfaction goals by providing quality service.Follows HACCP guidelines when assembling and distributing food supplies to ensure quality and safety of food supply.Completes all daily, weekly or monthly reports as outlined in the corporate policies and procedures on a timely basis meeting all prescribed deadlines.Responds to utility failures following department guidelines.Participates and attends departmental meetings and staff development programs, as appropriate.Exhibits pleasant and cheerful demeanor and maintains a helpful attitude towards employees, physicians, patients, and visitors.Speak and read English at a level that is sufficient to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the position. Knowledge of standard office equipment (i.e., calculator, fax, photocopier) and personal computer and computer software skills (i.e., MS Windows, Excel, Access, Word, Powerpoint, internet, e-mail). Windows computer skills including proficient use of keyboarding, use of mouse or keys for functions such as selecting items, use of drop down menus, scroll bars, opening folders, copying and similar operations required upon employment or within the 1st two weeks of employment to perform the essential functions of the job. Performs other duties as assigned. Follows Palomar Health rules, policies, procedures, applicable laws and standards. Carries out the mission, vision, and quality commitment of Palomar Health.### **Job Requirements****Minimum Education:**High School Diploma and/or combination of education and experience**Preferred Education:**Associate's Degree, certification as dietary manager, or equivalent**Minimum Experience:**6 months food service experience, preferably diet office, healthcare or institutional food service**Preferred Experience:**1 - 2 years of customer service and 1 - 2 years diet office or healthcare food service**Required Certification:**Valid food handler card issued by a San Diego county authorized food handler training school**Preferred Certification:**Not Applicable**Required License:**Not Applicable**Preferred License:**Valid Driver's LicenseWe are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, gender, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.Palomar Health invites you to be part of our healthcare team, where we offer extraordinary opportunities for both clinical and non-clinical positions. As a leading healthcare system, we are committed to providing world-class care to our community. When you join our team, you'll have access to our exceptional training programs designed to help you excel in your role and grow your career.