Food Service Associate

Job Description:

Career Opportunities

Food Service Associate

United Health Services (UHS) is seeking a Food Service Associate to join our healthcare team. In this role, you'll be responsible for preparing and serving meals, delivering trays to patients, maintaining food safety standards, and keeping kitchen and dining areas clean and organized. Your work helps ensure patients receive nutritious, timely meals that support their recovery and well-being.

Whether you're assisting with special dietary needs or helping a patient feel more at home with a warm, friendly interaction, every task—and every connection—matters. This is a hands-on role where your reliability, teamwork, and attention to detail make a real difference every day.

Primary Department, Division, or Unit: Cafeteria, UHS Wilson Medical Center

Work Shift and Schedule: This is a per diem position, which means you will work on an as needed, agreed upon basis. Working hours will be assigned by your manager.

Compensation Range: per hour, depending on experience

This position is not eligible for benefits.

Job Responsibilities

• Assemble patient and resident meal trays according to individual diet orders
• Portion salads, desserts, beverages, and condiments accurately and hygienically for inclusion on meal trays
• Prepare and distribute nourishments and floor stock supplies to meet patient and resident dietary needs
• Assist in the dish room by washing and sanitizing dishes, trays, and delivery carts; restock clean china, silverware, and service utensils
• Maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment by following safe food handling protocols and completing required HACCP documentation
• Monitor and replenish kitchen stock levels to ensure adequate supplies for meal tray assembly and food service operations
• Provide clean and sanitized cookware and utensils for food preparation and service
• Operate the dishwashing machine to ensure thorough cleaning of china, glassware, and silverware
• Collect and dispose of trash and recyclable materials from kitchen and service areas according to facility procedures
• Prepare and serve short-order and hot foods to customers from deli or other food stations, following proper portion and presentation standards
• Interact with customers in a friendly and helpful manner, answering menu questions and assisting with special dietary requests
• Support foodservice operations by restocking station supplies, deep cleaning equipment and work areas, and assisting with catered events, cashier duties, or light food prep as needed

Position Qualifications

Minimum Required: Not Applicable

Preferred: High School or equivalent

About United Health Services

United Health Services (UHS) is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system in New York’s Southern Tier comprising four hospitals, long-term care, and home care services, and physician practices in Broome and surrounding counties. UHS provides healthcare and medical services for two-thirds of the region’s population, produces $1.3 billion a year in total economic impact, and boasts a workforce of more than 6,300 employees and providers.

At UHS, our work is guided by our Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation. Whether you provide direct patient care or support behind the scenes, you are part of a shared purpose: to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Every employee plays a meaningful role in fulfilling our mission—we’d love for you to consider joining us!

United Health Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.