Nutrition Aide I at Jones Memorial Hospital – Wellsville, New York

Purpose:
The Nutrition Aide is responsible for assembling and transporting patient trays, preparing and mixing ingredients for salads, beverages, sandwiches, desserts, and other cold food items, and cleaning and sanitizing china, silverware, glassware, and food preparation equipment. This role supports safe, timely, and high-quality nutrition services for patients, visitors, and staff.

Major Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities:

1. Food Preparation

   • Obtain and prepare ingredients as needed. Wash, clean, peel, dice, shred, and slice fruits and vegetables.

   • Prepare beverages, sandwiches, salads, sauces, and dressings.

   • Garnish and arrange food items in an attractive and appetizing manner.

   • Portion and serve desserts, cutting pies, cakes, and other items as required.

2. Tray Assembly & Transport

   • Set up tray assembly line prior to service.

   • Assist in portioning and assembling patient trays according to dietary specifications.

   • Transport tray carts to patient floors and return carts to designated areas.

3. Cleaning & Sanitation

   • Clean and sanitize assembly line, work areas, and food service equipment.

   • Wash dishes, trays, glassware, utensils, and cookware.

   • Load and unload dishwashing machines; store clean items in prescribed containers.

   • Remove trash from work areas.

   • Complete and maintain daily HACCP documentation.

4. Safety & Compliance

   • Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly work area.

   • Adhere to infection control, universal precautions, and hospital safety standards.

   • Follow ADA standards and hospital policies for safe work practices.

5. Professionalism & Teamwork

   • Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct in all interactions.

   • Provide excellent customer service to patients, visitors, and staff.

   • Participate in continuing education, in-services, and mandatory training.

   • Support department operations and hospital initiatives as requested.

   • Perform other duties as assigned within scope of training and hospital policy.

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience:

• One month of related experience or completion of BOCES Certificate program preferred.

Contacts:

• Frequent contact with employees within Nutrition Services.

• Regular contact with staff from other hospital departments.

Physical Demands:

• Stands, walks, and stoops most of the day.

• Lifts, pushes, and pulls light to heavy weights throughout the shift.

Working Conditions:

• Works indoors in well-lit but often warm and humid kitchen areas.

• Frequent exposure to routine food service hazards including hot equipment, sharp utensils, and cleaning chemicals.