Food Service Associate, Food & Nutrition/South Brooklyn Health - (21.5 Hours/Week)

As a Food Service Associate at NYC Health + Hospitals, your primary responsibilities include obtaining meal selections from patients, delivering meals, checking the accuracy and safety of the trays, and addressing any patient concerns. You will utilize a handheld tablet to record meal choices and ensure compliance with dietary restrictions. Your role may also involve assisting with training new staff and completing daily service satisfaction rounds.

To qualify as a Food Service Associate at NYC Health + Hospitals, you need at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, along with six months of satisfactory experience in hospitality or food service. Additionally, the completion of an NYC Health + Hospitals food service training program within three months of your appointment is necessary for success in this role.

The Food Service Associate plays a vital role in patient care at NYC Health + Hospitals by ensuring that patients receive nutritious meals that adhere to their dietary needs. Engaging directly with patients about their meal choices helps foster a supportive environment while fulfilling the healthcare system's mission of compassionate and accountable service.

Key skills for a Food Service Associate at NYC Health + Hospitals include excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to engage with patients effectively. Being detail-oriented is crucial for ensuring meal accuracy and compliance with dietary guidelines. Additionally, proficiency in using technology like handheld tablets is essential for recording patient orders efficiently.

Food Service Associates at NYC Health + Hospitals enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance for part-time employees, retirement savings plans, and paid holidays. Furthermore, they benefit from professional development opportunities and educational tuition discounts, which support both career advancement and personal growth.

In responding to an unhappy patient, I would first listen actively to their concerns and express empathy. I would then explore options for correction, possibly offering alternative meal choices or additional items that align with their dietary needs, while following up to ensure satisfaction.

To ensure accuracy in meal orders, I would engage directly with each patient and confirm their choices by repeating the selections back to them. I would also check the tray against dietary restrictions and make use of the handheld tablet to record their orders systematically.

Certainly! In my previous role, a guest had a specific dietary need that wasn't initially accommodated. I worked quickly to provide them with a suitable alternative, ensuring their satisfaction, which resulted in genuinely positive feedback. This experience taught me the importance of being attentive and responsive.

I would develop a systematic approach to meal delivery by prioritizing route planning and closely adhering to meal schedules. Effective communication with team members would also be crucial to streamline the process and ensure meals arrive timely while adhering to infection control guidelines.

When working under pressure, I prioritize tasks to ensure critical actions are addressed promptly while remaining calm and focused. I find it helpful to maintain open communication with colleagues and utilize brief breaks to regroup during busier shifts.

I approach patients with a friendly demeanor, introducing myself and encouraging them to share their preferences. I ask open-ended questions to make them feel comfortable and invested in their meal choices while ensuring their dietary restrictions are considered.

Effective communication with healthcare professionals involves being concise and clear while also being open to feedback. I would ensure that any concerns with patients' meal needs are shared promptly and that I am prepared to collaborate on solutions to any issues that arise.

I want to work as a Food Service Associate at NYC Health + Hospitals because I am passionate about contributing to patient care and improving individuals' health through nutrition. Being part of the largest public healthcare system resonates with my values, and I see an opportunity to make a positive impact on the community.

To ensure compliance with dietary restrictions, I would thoroughly review patient orders and confirm any special requests with the dietary team. I would also communicate clearly with patients about their options and regularly check for updates to individual dietary needs.

I manage my time effectively by organizing my tasks at the beginning of each shift, prioritizing urgent tasks like meal delivery while keeping an eye on longer-term responsibilities. I also set reminders for essential actions to ensure nothing is overlooked.