LEAD, FOOD SERVICE ASSOCIATE

Independence Health System•Greensburg, PA

About The Position

The Lead, Food Service Associate assists food service leadership and provides direct oversight to support operational excellence for patients, retail customers, and guests. The role covers patient meal service, retail food operations, catering and special functions, safety and sanitation, and day-to-day staff oversight. The incumbent may be scheduled according to operational needs, including rotating shifts, standby, or on-call, and may travel locally between System locations. The position operates in a food-service and kitchen environment. The posting states that goggles, a face shield, and a mask are required according to CDC guidelines during a pandemic. When a lift exceeds 50 pounds, two-person assistance and/or a transfer device is required. Physical demands and environmental exposures are detailed in the job posting’s physical condition tables.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or higher education.
Six to twelve months of related training or experience in food safety and customer service.
Strong leadership ability and organizational skills.
Independent and critical thinking, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
Ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Basic math and keyboard proficiency.
Ability to think and make decisions independently, multitask, and prioritize assignments.
Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment.
Flexibility, teamwork, and customer-service skills.
ServSafe certification within six months of hire.
Act 33 clearance with renewal, Act 34 clearance with renewal, and Act 73 FBI clearance with renewal.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in food safety, customer service, or mentoring/coaching in the food industry.
Experience in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

Assist with preparing, serving, and delivering patient meals according to production sheets, standardized recipes, and HACCP guidelines.
Follow food-quality processes, including temperature and portioning standards; take and record food and equipment temperatures.
Communicate daily menus and serving requirements to staff, and ensure POD areas are stocked after meal service.
Conduct patient-satisfaction rounds and promptly report and address concerns.
Provide leadership and guidance to retail operations and proactively raise concerns to leadership.
Monitor the temperature, quality, presentation, and inventory of prepared foods in retail operations.
Assist with customer-facing signage, labels, promotions, and nutritional information.
Perform point-of-sale functions, pull reports, troubleshoot POS issues, and contact external support when needed.
Provide excellent customer service to retail customers.
Prepare and deliver catering for special functions and perform CMS functions to start and complete catering.
Perform food-service duties according to Department of Health sanitation and safety standards.
Ensure hygiene practices are followed, including handwashing, glove use, and hair restraints.
Report malfunctioning equipment to maintenance and/or the Manager, and promptly report unsafe conditions to a supervisor; complete work orders or arrange outside service as needed.
Oversee and perform routine department cleaning, sanitation, dishwashing, pot washing, and cleaning of food-preparation and cooking areas.
Maintain working knowledge of kitchen equipment and respond appropriately when equipment is not functioning safely or correctly.
Oversee safe and correct garbage disposal.
Orient and oversee training for new employees and help maintain training files and documents.
Monitor employee performance and competency; assist with performance appraisals and hiring decisions.
Allocate and delegate work efficiently, assist with covering open shifts, and help maintain the daily work schedule and communicate variances to the timekeeper and payroll.
Help develop clear work objectives and standards, maintain a positive working environment, and lead by example.
Perform other duties as assigned.