Meal Attendant

University of Maryland Medical System•Baltimore, MD

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the assistant manager, the Meal Attendant performs a variety of departmental tasks to ensure meals are prepared and served to patients in accordance with established department standards. The position sets up and cleans workstations, portions and assembles patient meals according to recipes, production orders, dietary prescriptions, and tray tickets, and delivers meals according to posted schedules. It also transports food and supplies, collects trays and carts, and assists with dish sorting and scraping. The role maintains a clean and orderly work environment, follows food-safety and regulatory procedures, attends required meetings and training, and provides courteous service to patients.

Requirements

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Basic understanding of English and ability to converse effectively in English to interpret patient menus and department memoranda and understand customer requests.
Efficient and rapid eye-hand coordination for daily work.
Ability to read tray tickets swiftly and accurately.
Effective verbal communication skills for greeting customers and patients and responding accurately to their questions or concerns.

Nice To Haves

Six months of general work experience, preferably in a food service setting.

Responsibilities

Set up workstations and ensure required items are available before the meal line begins; break down and clean the workstation afterward.
Notify the assistant manager about needed supplies, alert the assistant manager or cook when food needs replenishing, and promptly report unavailable items.
Portion and assemble hot and cold foods for patient trays according to departmental recipes, production orders, dietary prescriptions, and proper garnishing standards.
Maintain portion control and work tray-line stations, reading patient tray tickets and placing the specified items on each tray.
Deliver and serve meals to patients according to posted schedules, bringing food carts to units promptly and quietly.
Compare and update Host Round Sheets with the unit and verify that the correct diet order is delivered.
Knock before entering patient rooms, wait for a response, greet patients courteously by name, and provide exemplary customer service.
Maintain posted delivery schedules and report delays greater than 15 minutes to the assistant manager.
Deliver food and supplies from the kitchen to the cafeteria and other areas as required.
Collect patient trays and carts and return them to the kitchen at the end of each meal.
Assist with scraping and sorting dishes.
Complete assigned tasks promptly with minimal assistance and take initiative in responding appropriately to needs.
Maintain a clean and orderly work environment and clean tables, counters, food storage areas, equipment, and utensils.
Follow procedures for safe food handling, including covering, labeling, and dating food items, and comply with applicable health regulations.
Attend mandatory department meetings and in-service education programs.
Follow established safety systems and training, and comply with OSHA and other applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Recognize and adapt to the specific needs of the patient or resident population, including age-related considerations.
Comply with operating standards and Business Conduct Guidelines, and maintain records and reports required by government and accrediting agencies.