Food Service Assistant I - Part Time (No Benefits) - 8 Hrs. Weekly/16 Hrs. Biweekly - 4pm - 7:30pm Shift - Weeknights, Weekends and Rotating Holidays (FNS/Elkton)

Location: Union Hospital - Elkton, Maryland
Department: Food & Nutrition Services (FNS)

Position Overview

ChristianaCare is seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Food & Nutrition Services Utility Associate I to support the sanitation and ware washing needs of the department. This role plays a critical part in maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient food service operation by ensuring dishes, utensils, pots, equipment, and work areas meet established sanitation and safety standards.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to cleanliness, infection prevention, teamwork, and excellent customer service while supporting ChristianaCare's Core Values of Excellence and Love.

Why Join ChristianaCare?

As a Food & Nutrition Services Utility Associate, you will play an important role in maintaining a safe and sanitary environment that supports patient care and service excellence. Join a team dedicated to providing exceptional hospitality, quality, and compassion to every patient, visitor, and caregiver we serve.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain food service sanitation equipment, including dish machines, pot sinks, and sanitation stations.
• Efficiently wash, sanitize, and store dishes, trays, utensils, cookware, and food service equipment.
• Monitor and record dish machine temperatures according to departmental procedures.
• Operate the pot washing area using proper cleaning and sanitizing solutions.
• Test and monitor sanitizer pH levels in accordance with established procedures.
• Follow proper ware washing, pot washing, and mopping procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment at all times.
• Remove trash promptly, utilize can liners appropriately, and dispose of cardboard and recyclable materials in designated areas.
• Follow all ChristianaCare safety standards, State Board of Health regulations, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Adhere to infection prevention practices, including the use of gloves and required protective equipment.
• Demonstrate ChristianaCare's Core Values and Behaviors in all interactions with patients, families, visitors, coworkers, and medical staff.
• Report equipment issues, safety concerns, hazards, and unsafe working conditions to leadership promptly.
• Perform all assigned duties in accordance with departmental safety policies and procedures.
• Complete additional duties and assignments as needed to support department operations.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Candidates currently enrolled in high school will also be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to read, write, and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn departmental policies, sanitation procedures, and safety practices.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, lift, push, pull, carry, reach, twist, stoop, handle materials, and climb as required.
• Must successfully meet physical examination requirements and be able to hear, see, speak, and ambulate effectively.
• Ability to safely perform the physical demands associated with food service sanitation and utility operations.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to cleaning chemicals, sanitizers, and food service cleaning products.
• Exposure to hot equipment, dish machines, steam, hot wells, and varying temperatures, including refrigerators and freezers.
• Potential exposure to infectious materials through returned trays and dish room operations.
• Exposure to commercial food service equipment and machinery.
• Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to infection prevention protocols.