Culinary Associate II/Cafeteria - Culinary/Nutrition

Job description

Job Details
Kettering Health Main Campus | Kettering | Full-Time | Second Shift
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.