Food Services Worker III

Community Health Systems•AL, AL

About The Position

The Food Services Worker III performs advanced food preparation and coordinates meal service in a healthcare setting. The role includes preparing specialized meals, overseeing food distribution, and complying with dietary, sanitation, infection control, and food safety requirements. The worker may train junior staff, monitor kitchen operations, and help ensure the quality of meals served to patients, staff, and visitors. The position also supports menu planning and dietary modifications in collaboration with dietitians, maintains food and inventory quality, operates kitchen equipment, responds professionally to meal-related concerns and special requests, and participates in continuous quality improvement. Regular and reliable attendance and compliance with all policies and standards are required.

Requirements

3–6 years of experience in food service, nutrition services, or a related field.
Advanced knowledge of food preparation techniques, dietary guidelines, and meal service coordination.
Ability to train and mentor junior staff and ensure compliance with food safety and operational protocols.
Strong understanding of infection control, sanitation, and food-handling best practices.
Experience operating kitchen equipment and using food service tools, and experience with inventory control.
Excellent customer service and communication skills for interacting with patients, staff, and visitors.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality, safety, and efficiency.
Strong attention to detail in portion control, tray accuracy, and adherence to dietary restrictions.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a healthcare, hospital, or long-term care setting, with knowledge of therapeutic diets and meal planning.
SAFE Serve Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare and portion specialized meals in accordance with dietary restrictions, nutrition guidelines, and patient meal plans.
Train and mentor junior food service staff and promote adherence to policies and proper food-handling procedures.
Coordinate food distribution, meal tray assembly, and delivery to patients, staff, and visitors, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Monitor kitchen operations, inventory management, and food storage procedures to maintain quality and efficiency.
Comply with infection control, sanitation, and food safety regulations and applicable facility and regulatory agency standards.
Operate and maintain kitchen equipment and food service machinery, including slicers, ovens, steamers, and dishwashers.
Assist with menu planning and dietary modifications in collaboration with dietitians to accommodate patient needs.
Follow protocols for food handling, storage, labeling, and temperature monitoring to prevent contamination.
Provide customer service and interact with patients, responding professionally to meal-related concerns and special requests.
Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives to improve food service efficiency and patient satisfaction.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Comply with all policies and standards.