Food Service Associate - Dining Services

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center • Houston, TX

1d

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, and patient dietary support in a fast-paced healthcare environment. The position works with kitchen, retail, and patient service teams to maintain efficient operations, food safety, service quality, and consistent service across dining and nourishment areas.

The role includes preparing and serving food, assembling and delivering patient trays according to orders and prescribed diets, assisting customers, operating point-of-sale systems, handling cash, maintaining inventory, and completing safety and production records. The associate may serve as Person in Charge when leadership is absent and may provide guidance and training to team members. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, one year of relevant experience, and a current Texas Food Handlers Certification within 30 days.

The shift is 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with rotating shifts that include weekends and holidays. The employer describes benefits including medical coverage for eligible employees, optional insurance plans, paid leave, retirement plans, tuition assistance, wellness resources, and employee resource groups.

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.
• Strong attention to detail, customer service orientation, and ability to follow standardized food preparation and safety procedures.
• Ability to work rotating shifts that include weekends and holidays.
• Use Outlook, Excel, and Word for logs and basic reporting tasks.

Responsibilities

• Set up hot and cold service lines and café areas, verify equipment readiness and product temperatures, and replenish items during service.
• Prepare and serve menu items such as salads, sandwiches, bakery items, and beverages according to standardized recipes and written procedures.
• Portion, garnish, and present food 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, dietary restrictions, and documented special instructions.
• Check that trays and food are labeled, accurate, and ready for timely service.
• Assist customers, patients, and families with basic menu questions and route complex concerns appropriately.
• Prepare floor stock and nourishment items, maintain par levels, and rotate inventory correctly.
• Serve as Person in Charge when leadership is absent.
• Monitor supplies and equipment using FIFO practices and properly handle spoiled or recalled items.
• Operate POS systems and manage the cash-handling cycle, including reconciliation and deposits.
• Provide courteous, solution-oriented service to patients, visitors, and staff; assist with menu selections and seating.
• Maintain cleanliness and stock in service areas, including condiments and utensils.
• Prepare and serve specialized beverages and coffee drinks as assigned.
• Follow food safety and sanitation practices, including hygiene and allergen prevention.
• Complete temperature logs and equipment checks accurately.
• Maintain clean work areas, equipment, and utensils, including managing waste and spills.
• Use PPE, follow safe work practices, and identify and escalate hazards.
• Follow institutional and regulatory requirements for labeling, storage, and documentation.
• Replenish and rotate stock, monitor inventory to minimize waste, and record production and leftover data for forecasting and cost control.
• Use Outlook, Excel, and Word to complete logs and basic reporting tasks.
• 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 deliver courteous, timely service.
• Model institutional core values and standards of conduct; anticipate and respond to service needs and operational concerns.
• Apply the HEAL framework to address and resolve service issues.
• Report concerns or safety issues promptly and appropriately.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of patient information.

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting 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, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service.
• Wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System and voluntary retirement plans.
• Employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
• Educational opportunities and individual and team recognition.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED