Food Service Associate - Dining Services

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Food Service Associate supports daily foodservice operations at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, contributing to meal preparation, service, patient dietary support, and a positive experience for patients, visitors, and staff. The role works with kitchen, retail, and patient service teams in a fast-paced healthcare environment and follows food safety, service quality, and operational standards across dining and nourishment areas. The position includes preparing and serving food and beverages, assembling and delivering patient trays according to orders and dietary requirements, supporting inventory and sanitation, operating point-of-sale systems, and completing food safety and production records. It also includes providing customer assistance, training team members performing similar work, and serving as Person in Charge in the absence of leadership. The shift is 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with rotating shifts that include weekends and holidays.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One year of experience in patient care, customer service, foodservice, or hospitality, or one year of experience as a waiter, cashier, or server in foodservice.
Current Texas Food Handlers Certification required within 30 days.

Responsibilities

Set up hot and cold lines and café areas to daily specifications; verify equipment readiness, check product temperatures, and replenish items.
Prepare and serve salads, sandwiches, bakery items, beverages, and other menu items using standardized recipes and written procedures.
Portion, garnish, and present food according to quality standards; monitor holding conditions and rotate products for freshness.
Escalate equipment or product issues and assist with fixes or substitutions to maintain service flow.
Assemble and deliver patient trays according to orders, portions, diet restrictions, and documented special instructions.
Check trays and food for accurate labeling and order details and ensure timely service.
Assist customers, patients, and families with basic menu questions and route complex concerns appropriately.
Support floor stock and nourishment preparation, maintain par levels, and rotate inventory.
Serve as Person in Charge in the absence of leadership.
Monitor supplies and equipment using FIFO practices and handle spoiled or recalled items appropriately.
Operate POS systems and complete cash handling, reconciliation, and deposits.
Provide friendly service, assist with menu selections and seating, and maintain a professional demeanor.
Keep service areas clean and stocked, including condiments and utensils.
Prepare and serve specialized beverages and coffee drinks as assigned.
Follow food safety, sanitation, hygiene, and allergen-prevention practices.
Complete temperature logs and equipment checks accurately.
Maintain cleanliness of work areas, equipment, and utensils, including managing waste and spills.
Use PPE, follow safe work practices, and identify and escalate hazards.
Support institutional and regulatory compliance for labeling, storage, and documentation.
Replenish and rotate stock, monitor inventory, and help minimize waste.
Record production and leftover data to support forecasting and cost control.
Use Outlook, Excel, and Word for logs and basic reporting.
Coordinate with kitchen and service teams to communicate updates and prevent service gaps.
Provide guidance and training to team members performing similar duties.
Ensure orders meet prescribed diets and customer preferences and provide courteous, timely service.
Model institutional core values and standards of conduct and proactively address service needs and concerns.
Apply the HEAL framework to address and resolve service issues.
Report concerns and safety issues promptly and appropriately.
Maintain strict confidentiality of patient information.

Benefits

Employer-paid medical coverage starting on day one for employees working 30 or more hours per week.
Optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
PTO and Extended Illness Bank accruals.
Paid holidays and wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service.
Access to wellness and fitness resources and employee resource groups.
Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System.
Voluntary retirement plans.
Employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Educational opportunities and individual and team recognition.