Patient Dining Associate (Nutrition Services)

United Health Services•Johnson City, NY

10d•$17 - $22

About The Position

At United Health Services (UHS), Patient Dining Associates are members of the Nutrition Services team who help create a positive, personalized patient experience. They connect patients with their care team by ensuring meals are delivered accurately, safely, and in accordance with each patient’s dietary needs and preferences. The role involves working with patients, families, nursing staff, and team members to assist with menu selections, process meal orders, and provide timely meal service at the bedside, by phone, or during meal delivery. In addition to patient meal service, the associate supports daily food service operations by maintaining sanitation and food safety standards, stocking supplies, completing required documentation, and collaborating with others to provide high-quality service. The role works under general supervision and requires accountability for accuracy, safety, and timeliness. Per-diem and part-time opportunities are available for evening shifts, with flexible scheduling, typically two to three evenings per week and weekend and holiday rotation as needed. The listed compensation range is $17.05–$22.17 per hour, depending on experience. Benefits eligibility applies to regular positions with at least 24 scheduled weekly hours.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent.
Up to 1 year of related experience in a role or field providing transferable skills or knowledge relevant to the position.
Up to 1 year of customer- or patient-facing experience directly interacting and communicating with the public.
Up to 1 year of technical or systems experience using specialized tools, software, or equipment required for the role.
Up to 1 year of healthcare experience in any job function.

Responsibilities

Deliver patient meals accurately and courteously through the room service program, ensuring proper tray placement and supporting patient comfort and satisfaction.
Assist patients and family members with menu selections using approved scripting and respond to questions compassionately and respectfully.
Measure and record patient intake information as required by physician orders and nursing standards of care.
Use the room service computerized scanning system to track meal status and ensure timely, accurate delivery.
Retrieve soiled trays from patient rooms and nursing units, checking for patient belongings, medications, or medical devices.
Deliver supplies and nourishment items to nursing units, prepare nutritional snacks, and monitor inventory levels of supplements and tube-feeding supplies.
Communicate with nursing staff about meal status, patient needs, and service concerns to support coordinated care.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment by following food-handling, sanitation, and infection-prevention practices.
Record food temperatures and complete required HACCP and safety documentation.
Complete required training and competency validations within established timelines.
Safeguard sensitive data by following security policies, using systems responsibly, and promptly reporting potential security incidents, risks, or policy violations.
As applicable to the role, support cybersecurity and data protection requirements across the supplier lifecycle by coordinating vendor risk assessments, monitoring third-party compliance, and reporting supply-chain or cybersecurity risks.
Assist with dish room operations, clean carts and equipment, restock supplies, and perform other duties as assigned.
Demonstrate UHS Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation in daily work and interactions.
Carry out responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and applicable regulations, and perform additional duties as required to meet department and organizational needs.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage beginning the first of the month after hire for employees working 24 or more hours per week.
Discounted childcare through Bright Horizons.
Voluntary pet insurance, legal services, and identity theft protection.
Paid time off accrual starting on the first day.
403(b) retirement plan with company match.
Flexible spending accounts.
Access to financial advisors.
Up to $400 per year in wellness rewards.
24/7 employee assistance program counseling and virtual mental health support.
Food pantry and PTO donation program.
Professional attire through the Classy Closet.
Access to more than 100,000 online courses and leadership programs.
Tuition reimbursement, clinical ladders, and internal mobility opportunities.