Food Service Worker - LaSalle County Nursing Home

Whitsons Culinary Group•Ottawa, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Food Service Worker supports healthcare nutrition services at LaSalle County Nursing Home by preparing, portioning, and serving meals to patients, visitors, and staff in accordance with dietary guidelines. The role includes delivering meals to patients, assisting with meal service, and helping maintain a friendly and supportive dining atmosphere. Responsibilities also include setting up, cleaning, and maintaining kitchen and serving areas; following food safety, sanitation, and regulatory procedures; maintaining accurate logs and documentation; and completing food preparation, guest service, and sanitation tasks accurately and on time. The worker monitors temperatures, ensures order accuracy, stocks and maintains stations, provides menu recommendations and guidance on allergies or dietary restrictions, and communicates special requests to appropriate team members. This is a site-based, non-exempt position that may be part-time or full-time, with days and hours aligned to the facility’s food service schedule. Shifts may include nights and weekends, but not late nights. Occasional extended hours may be needed for special events or operational needs, and occasional travel to other locations may be required for coverage or support. On-the-job training is provided; prior experience is not necessary, though food service experience is preferred.

Requirements

Complete all Whitsons- and government-mandated training as required.
Ability to speak and read English sufficiently to understand and perform job assignments, follow recipes, and comply with safety requirements.
Ability to work effectively as part of a food service team in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
Ability to present a positive and professional image.
Reliability, attention to detail, and willingness to learn healthcare food safety procedures.
Comfort working around patients and healthcare staff.
Ability to stand for most of the workday; frequently walk, talk, and hear; handle food, tools, and equipment; and reach with hands and arms.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including while turning side to side.

Nice To Haves

Minimum 1 year of professional food service experience preferred; school nutrition or institutional food service experience is also preferred.
ServSafe certification preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Prepare, portion, and serve meals according to dietary guidelines, portion standards, and production standards.
Deliver meals to patients and assist with basic meal service needs.
Set up, clean, stock, and maintain kitchen, serving, and dining areas.
Follow food safety, sanitation, regulatory, and Whitsons requirements, including maintaining accurate logs and documentation.
Monitor food temperatures, ensure order accuracy, and maintain clean, properly stocked stations.
Welcome and serve guests professionally, provide informed menu recommendations, and offer guidance on allergies and dietary restrictions.
Communicate orders, guest requests, allergies, dietary restrictions, and special requests clearly to the appropriate team members.
Work cooperatively with the Chef Manager, Lead Cook, kitchen staff, and food service and dining room workers.
Follow assigned schedules and break rotations and maintain appropriate dress and hygiene standards.