Job Details

Food Service Assistant I

Location: ChristianaCare
Department: Food & Nutrition Services (FNS)
Position Type: Full Time
Shift: 6:30am - 3pm and/or 11am - 7:30pm

Make a Difference Through Nutrition and Service

ChristianaCare is seeking a dedicated Food Service Assistant I to support our Food & Nutrition Services team. In this role, you will help ensure patients receive accurate meals that meet their dietary needs while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and customer service. Your work directly contributes to patient satisfaction, safety, and the overall healthcare experience.

Primary Responsibilities

As a Food Service Assistant I, you will:

• Assemble high-volume patient meal trays accurately and efficiently according to tray line meal tickets and established delivery schedules.
• Ensure proper placement, portion control, and presentation of all food items on patient trays.
• Read, interpret, and assemble meals for regular and therapeutic diets, including modified textures and prescribed liquid consistencies.
• Replenish hot and cold food items to support patient meal service operations.
• Perform ware washing, pot washing, sanitation, and utility functions in accordance with departmental standards.
• Operate dish machines and ware washing equipment while monitoring and documenting required sanitation temperatures.
• Maintain pot washing areas using approved cleaning and sanitizing procedures, including sanitizer testing and proper storage of equipment and utensils.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment by following established sanitation procedures and removing waste appropriately.
• Handle chemicals and cleaning products safely and according to manufacturer and departmental guidelines.
• Dispose of trash, cardboard, and recyclables properly and maintain sanitation throughout assigned work areas.

Food Safety & Infection Prevention

Maintain proper food holding, serving, and storage temperatures. Prevent cross-contamination through safe food handling practices. Date, label, and rotate food products according to department standards. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves and protective clothing as required. Follow all infection prevention, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Customer Service Excellence

At ChristianaCare, we are guided by our Core Values of Excellence and Love. Successful candidates will:

• Treat patients, families, visitors, and coworkers with compassion, dignity, and respect.
• Demonstrate empathy, patience, professionalism, and teamwork.
• Promote a positive patient experience through exceptional service and attention to detail.
• Maintain positive working relationships with Food & Nutrition Services staff and hospital caregivers.

Qualifications

Minimum Education & Experience

High school diploma or equivalent preferred, or Currently enrolled in high school. Previous food service experience is helpful but not required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Successful candidates will possess:

• Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to read, write, and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality standards.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, and pull up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

Candidates must be able to:

• Pass required physical examination and drug screening.
• Stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Bend, lift, push, pull, carry, reach, twist, stoop, handle materials, and climb as required.
• Hear, see, speak, and ambulate effectively to perform job duties.

Working Conditions

This position may involve:

• Exposure to infectious materials through returned patient trays and dishroom operations.
• Exposure to commercial kitchen equipment and machinery.
• Working in environments with extreme temperature changes, including hot serving lines, refrigerators, and freezers.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals, sanitizers, and other food service products.

Why Join ChristianaCare?

ChristianaCare is committed to delivering excellence in patient care through teamwork, compassion, and innovation. As a Food Service Assistant I, you'll play an important role in supporting patient health and satisfaction while working in a collaborative healthcare environment.

Apply today and help provide safe, accurate, and exceptional meal service to our patients every day.

This position has a starting rate of $17.80 per hour, regardless of prior experience. After six months of continuous employment, the hourly rate will automatically increase to $20.90 per hour. After one year of continuous employment, the hourly rate will automatically increase to $21.93 per hour.

This pay rate/range represents ChristianaCare’s good faith and reasonable estimate of compensation at the time of posting. The actual salary within this range offered to a successful candidate will depend on individual factors including without limitation skills, relevant experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.

Christiana Care Health System is an equal opportunity employer, firmly committed to prohibiting discrimination, whose staff is reflective of its community, and considers qualified applicants for open positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Post End Date: Nov 2, 2026

EEO Posting Statement: ChristianaCare offers a competitive suite of employee benefits to maximize the wellness of you and your family, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement, an employee assistance program. To learn more about our benefits for eligible positions visit https://careers.christianacare.org/benefits-compensation/