Food Service Support Specialist at Meridian Healthcare – Youngstown, Ohio

The Food Service Support Specialist plays an important role in supporting the overall health, comfort, and recovery of patients by providing consistent, nutritious meals in a respectful and welcoming environment. This position supports daily meal preparation, service, and kitchen operations while contributing to a positive patient experience rooted in dignity, safety, and teamwork.

• Assist with meal preparation, portioning, and service for patients
• Ensure meals are served on time and in accordance with dietary guidelines and program expectations
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen and dining area
• Follow food safety, sanitation, and infection control standards
• Stock food, supplies, and cost-effective snacks as needed
• Follows all requests for special diets in order to assure good patient health
• Support inventory management and notify leadership of supply needs
• Engage respectfully with patients and contribute to a calm, supportive dining experience
• Collaborate with program staff to support daily operations
• Assist with special projects such as nutrition education or life-skills activities as staffing allows

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous food service or kitchen experience preferred (healthcare or residential setting a plus)
• Knowledge of basic food safety and sanitation practices
• Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced, patient-centered environment
• Strong communication skills and a respectful, compassionate approach
• Ability to maintain professionalism and boundaries in an inpatient setting
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to pull, push, lift and/or carry objects up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity to safely and properly cut/slice/chop food products and handle extremely hot cookware/bakeware.

We are looking for someone who is hungry, humble, and human—motivated to learn, open to feedback, and grounded in compassion. The ideal candidate understands that meals are more than food; they are an important part of comfort, routine, and healing.

• Meaningful work that directly supports resident recovery and well-being
• A collaborative, mission-driven team environment
• Opportunity to contribute to a program focused on dignity, safety, and patient experience
• Room for growth and involvement in expanded programming as the program evolves