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Catering Associate - Food Service Department, Part-time, Evenings - job 1 of 2

Company Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

  • Part-time Hours: 24 Hours Per Week
  • Evening Shift: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM or from 2:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Works Every Weekend and Works Holidays)
  • Location: Feinberg/Galter; FL BS
  • Union Hourly Compensation: $20.15 per hour (+ $0.97/hour for shift pay differential) (non-negotiable). The role is graded as a non-exempt position meaning you are eligible for overtime.

The Catering Associate reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Catering Associate supports the Department of Food & Nutrition by providing patient meal service to include: patient menu selection, tray assembly and delivery and retrieval of patient trays. This role is responsible for timeliness, accuracy and the safe food handling of trays and items to designated patient care areas. The Catering Associate supports service excellence standard to include but not limited to patient satisfaction rounds, service recovery and excellent communication with management team to ensure patient satisfaction. The Catering Associate is expected to adhere to and practice guidelines in regards to Best Patient Experience Philosophy.

Responsibilities:

  • Must be able to follow oral and written instructions such as policies and procedures 
  • Performs a variety of work and follows procedures consisting of several steps or that require judgment in completing a sequence of tasks
  • Must be able to read and comprehend patient menus
  • Takes patients menu selections prior to each meal
  • Adheres to diet and allergy restrictions for patient food orders 
  • Must be knowledgeable of diet restrictions and comfortably answer questions
  • Offers alternatives to menu allowed on prescribed diet in accordance with allergies, sensitivities, cultural, ethnic and religious preferences when patient inquires or needs additional selections (following provided guidelines)
  • Assembles trays according to patients menu on ticket in a timely and accurate manner
  • Follows tray presentation and condiment standards
  • Serves and retrieves patient trays from patient rooms in a courteous and professional manner
  • Accurately delivers trays to patients and visitors according to established procedures
  • Conducts Catering Rounds as instructed to ensure patient satisfaction  
  • Must display a “Can-Do” - Service Excellence mindset
  • Follows facility and departmental infection control policies and procedures
  • Retrieves trays within one hour of service
  • Observes HIPAA and Patient Identification guidelines
  • Must be able to work safely; moving carts, observing Security procedures, proper utilization of elevator
  • Cleans and sanitizes coffee carts daily
  • Performs assigned tasks efficiently during meal service to maintain accurate and expeditious service.
  • Exhibits pleasant and cheerful demeanor and maintains a helpful attitude towards employees, physicians, nursing staff, patients and visitors  
  • Communicates any patient related problems/concerns to appropriate personnel, in a timely manner following departmental procedures
  • Follows established food-handling practices to maintain food safety standards and comply with infection control procedures
  • Delivers floor stock daily according to pars
  • Completes daily documentation of floor stock, tray and other floor deliveries accurately for accounting and quality purposes
  • Rotates floor stock according to food safety procedures
  • Documents refrigeration temperatures daily in patient pantries that contain floor stock
  • Maintains galleys in safe, clean and organized  manner
  • Operates equipment properly, safely and efficiently according to established procedures
  • Reports all damaged and unsafe equipment to management
  • Completes all assigned cleaning by end of each work shift to include but not limited to detailed cleaning  
  • Cleans assigned areas and equipment according to standards and utilization of proper cleaning chemicals
  • Maintains work station area in clean and orderly manner
  • Completes routine projects or detail cleaning duties as assigned
  • Attends department in-services and meetings 
  • Completes Hospital required training and surveys
  • May assist in Dishroom, Servers as needed
  • Follow established break schedule unless otherwise directed by manager
  • Maintains supplies and equipment to ensure efficiency, including portioning, dating, and storage of food
  • Maintains established levels of supplies for work area
  • Notifies management of workload status and availability for additional assignments or need of additional assistance
  • Assists in the orientation of new employees in the department by demonstrating basic duties of job
  • Responds to management requests in a positive and timely manner
  • Performs other duties as assigned

AA/EOE.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Two years of service experience
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills
  • Maintains positive and friendly manner during peak service times with focus on timeliness, accuracy and Service Excellence
  • Complete Catering to You Training modules and pass competency test

Preferred:

  • High School Graduate or GED
  • Food Handling Certification Health Department – City of Chicago

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Average salary estimate

$41820 / YEARLY (est.)
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$41820K
$41820K

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What You Should Know About Catering Associate - Food Service Department, Part-time, Evenings, Northwestern Memorial Healthcare

As a Catering Associate in the Food Service Department at Northwestern Medicine, you will have a key role in our patient-centered atmosphere, fostering a positive experience for those we serve. This part-time position invites you to work 24 hours a week primarily during evening shifts, with hours conveniently scheduled from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM or 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM, making it perfect for those seeking flexible work hours. You'll engage directly with our patients, supporting their meal selections, assembling and delivering trays, and ensuring timely retrieval of meal items. Every interaction you have is a chance to embody our mission of service excellence and patient satisfaction. If you're someone who enjoys lifting others' spirits through delicious food and excellent service, this is the opportunity for you. You'll not only gain valuable experience in a healthcare setting but also enjoy benefits like tuition reimbursement, 401(k) matching, and more. We're committed to your professional growth, ensuring you feel valued and equipped to perform your role effectively. Join our team at Northwestern Medicine where every meal you provide makes a difference!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Catering Associate - Food Service Department, Part-time, Evenings Role at Northwestern Memorial Healthcare
What are the main responsibilities of a Catering Associate at Northwestern Medicine?

The Catering Associate at Northwestern Medicine has a variety of responsibilities including patient menu selection, assembling and delivering meal trays, and ensuring adherence to dietary restrictions and allergies. You will also participate in patient satisfaction rounds, handle food safely, and maintain a clean work area, all while upholding the organization’s ethics and standards.

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What qualifications do I need to become a Catering Associate at Northwestern Medicine?

To qualify for the Catering Associate position at Northwestern Medicine, you should have at least two years of service experience. Good interpersonal and communication skills are a must. While a high school graduate status or GED and a food handling certification are preferred, what's most important is your positive attitude and commitment to excellent service.

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What are the working hours for the Catering Associate role at Northwestern Medicine?

The Catering Associate position at Northwestern Medicine requires you to work part-time during evenings, with shifts from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM or 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM, including weekends and holidays. This schedule is designed to fit well within your busy life while still allowing you to contribute meaningfully to patient care.

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How does Northwestern Medicine ensure compliance with food safety standards in the Catering Associate role?

As a Catering Associate at Northwestern Medicine, you'll be trained extensively in food safety standards and hygiene protocols. This includes proper food handling practices and maintaining cleanliness in your work area to minimize risks and ensure a safe dining experience for our patients.

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What opportunities for advancement are available for Catering Associates at Northwestern Medicine?

At Northwestern Medicine, we value the growth of our employees, and Catering Associates have opportunities for advancement through training and development programs. By demonstrating your commitment and gaining additional skills, you could move into leadership roles or other departments in the organization.

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Common Interview Questions for Catering Associate - Food Service Department, Part-time, Evenings
Can you explain your experience with food service and how it relates to the Catering Associate position?

When answering this question, highlight your previous food service roles, focusing on specific responsibilities you've managed—like meal preparation or customer service. Explain how these experiences helped you develop skills that are essential for a Catering Associate, such as attention to detail, multitasking, and communication.

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How do you handle dietary restrictions and allergies when preparing meals?

Discuss your understanding of various dietary restrictions, and how you ensure compliance with food safety practices. Share any past experiences where you successfully accommodated dietary needs, stressing the importance of clear communication with both patients and team members.

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Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or patient.

Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to describe how you resolved the situation positively. Focus on your communication skills and empathy, which are crucial in a role like the Catering Associate at Northwestern Medicine.

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What does 'Service Excellence' mean to you, and how would you embody this in your role?

Speak to your understanding of 'Service Excellence' as providing exceptional, compassionate care. Give examples of how you’ve gone above and beyond in previous roles to enhance customer experiences, ensuring patients feel valued and respected.

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How would you prioritize tasks during a busy shift?

Outline a strategy for time management, emphasizing the importance of urgency vs. importance. Sharing how you plan out your time and communicate with teammates can illustrate your approach to maintaining service standards under pressure.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Have you ever had to resolve a conflict within a team? How did you approach it?

Discuss a specific example, focusing on your proactive approach to communication, collaboration, and compromise. Emphasize the result and how it contributed to a positive team dynamic.

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What steps do you take to ensure cleanliness and safety in your work area?

Share your experience with cleaning protocols and standards as they apply to food service. Highlight specific tasks you perform regularly to maintain a safe and organized environment for both yourself and the patients.

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Why do you want to work at Northwestern Medicine as a Catering Associate?

Express your appreciation for Northwestern Medicine's mission and values, connecting them to your own career goals and desire to contribute positively to patient care. Mention how the supportive work environment aligns with your professional aspirations.

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What would you do if a patient expressed dissatisfaction with their meal?

Illustrate your commitment to service excellence by detailing how you would listen to the patient, validate their feelings, and promptly address their concerns. Emphasize the importance of effective communication and follow-up.

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How do you maintain a positive attitude in a fast-paced environment?

Share your techniques for staying motivated during hectic times—be it staying organized, supporting your teammates, or remembering the impact of your work on patients. This underscores your resilience and positive outlook.

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Northwestern Medicine is the collaboration between Northwestern Memorial HealthCare and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. The entities involved in Northwestern Medicine remain separate organizations. Northwestern Medicine is a t...

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Part-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 17, 2025

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