Nutr Serv Associate, Nutritional Services, Full-time Days

Job description

Beacon Health System is hiring a Full-time Day shift Nutr Serv Associate position for our Nutritional Services department at Elkhart General Hospital in Elkhart, IN .
Be a Beacon. Make a Difference.
At Beacon Health System, you’re not just part of a team, you’re part of something bigger. Every patient interaction is a chance to lead with compassion, build trust, and create lasting impact. Here, your expertise supports healing, and your heart connects us to the communities we serve.
We offer a wide variety of benefits for our employees, including:
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance through Cigna
• Life Insurance
• 403(b) Matching Retirement Fund
• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Shift Differentials
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition and Certification Reimbursement
• Clinical Ladder Program
• Local and National Discounts
• Beacon Academy Educational Courses
• Gym Membership Discount

About Elkhart Hospital
Elkhart General Hospital is a not-for-profit hospital located in Elkhart, Indiana. Our full-service, 357-licensed-bed hospital has served the community for more than 100 years with a variety of services including: Emergency Department; radiology; orthopedics; maternity, pregnancy and childbirth; behavioral health; imaging and lab; genetic counseling; daVinci robotic surgery. As part of Beacon Health System, patients have access to providers not only at this location but can access resources and services from across the entire health system.
What You’ll Do
As a Food Service Associate, you’ll report to the Manager and prepare patient meals according to established specifications while ensuring timely meal delivery. You will also assist with setting up and serving food in the hospital cafeteria and operate the cash register as assigned.
Nutr Serv Associate Job Responsibilities
• Maintains the cleanliness of all assigned equipment.
• Completes the assigned daily cleaning schedule.
• Takes and records temperatures of food items and equipment daily; informs the Manager of any corrective actions needed.
• Completes required food safety and departmental in-service training each month.
• Maintains and utilizes sanitizer buckets appropriately; each shift is responsible for replacing them.
• Informs the Manager of any equipment malfunctions.
• Keeps work areas clean and clutter-free while following the "clean as you go" philosophy.
• Reports any customer or patient food-related concerns or issues to management.
• Demonstrates knowledge of emergency codes, MSDS manuals, and all department and hospital policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Follows all personal hygiene practices.
• Maintains a neat and professional appearance, including a complete uniform, name badge, hair covering, and appropriate footwear.
• Demonstrates courtesy by greeting customers and patients with a smile and using polite language, including "please" and "thank you."
• Follows CARES behaviors, including the standards of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Enthusiasm, and Service.
• Consistently performs job duties independently.
• Takes responsibility for completing quality work accurately, efficiently, and on time.
• Takes initiative to complete assigned tasks and proactively addresses work responsibilities.
• Identifies issues and concerns while suggesting process improvements.
• Works effectively under pressure and adapts to changing circumstances and priorities.
• Attends work regularly and is prepared to begin assignments on time.
• Identifies areas where assistance is needed and helps coworkers as appropriate.
• Stays informed of changes, updates, and new procedures through established communication channels.
• Adheres to standards for food preparation and tray presentation to ensure meals are attractive and appetizing.
• Follows correct portion sizes for all prescribed diets.
• Ensures all meal items are accurate and presented appropriately.
• Delivers patient trays in a timely manner.
• Uses scripted communication when delivering trays, including introductions, patient identification, and distribution of business cards as required.
• Ensures all areas are stocked and replenished according to departmental standards.
• Retrieves carts efficiently and follows established protocols for collection rounds.
• Consistently follows dish room setup and breakdown procedures.
• Consistently follows established job-flow processes.
• Completes and signs off on cleaning logs as required.
• Serves customers appropriate portion sizes according to recipes and standards.
• Maintains the proper appearance of food and the steam table, changing pans as needed and stirring food regularly to ensure temperature standards are met.
• Ensures menu signage and register information are accurate before service begins.
• Restocks food items with appropriate quantities and portions.
• Maintains inventory levels of supplies such as cups, napkins, silverware, and cooler items according to procedures.
• Sets up service lines efficiently and according to established procedures.
• Follows cash-handling procedures accurately and consistently.
• Demonstrates proficiency with the Digital Dining register system.
• Contributes to the overall effectiveness of the department.
• Completes other job-related duties and special projects as assigned.

What You Bring
As a Nutritional Services Associate, you’ll bring a strong commitment to customer service, food safety, and quality. You have the ability to understand and follow dietary guidelines to ensure patient meals are prepared and delivered accurately. You can read, write, perform basic arithmetic calculations, and follow written and verbal instructions. You are able to safely operate food service equipment and machinery, including dish machines, garbage disposals, steam tables, microwaves, toasters, blenders, and other small appliances. You work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and excellent customer service. You can read and understand menus in English and demonstrate strong communication skills when interacting with patients, visitors, and team members.
Required Qualifications
• Must be a minimum of 17 years of age.
• Successful completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
• Previous experience in food service in a health care environment is preferred but not required.