Food Service Worker

Job Summary:
In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. The Food Service Worker carries out a variety of duties at the diet station according to Food Safe protocols such as preparing, measuring and combining food ingredients; preparing, portioning and substituting food items according to special and reducing diets; washing, peeling, and slicing vegetables and fruit; preparing coffee/tea and toast; and assembling sandwiches and salads. Also strips wagons and washes dishes and pots; cleans food wagons, fridges and storage areas; and washes floors and removes garbage. Performs related clerical duties.

Duties/Accountabilities:
1. Prepares, portions, and substitutes food items according to special and reducing diets. Prepares sandwich fillings, salads and other related food items by methods such as combining, mixing and/or blending ingredients; measures, mixes, grates and/or blends food ingredients; and assembles items such as sandwiches and salads. Prepares fruits and vegetables by washing and cleaning; peeling, slicing, dicing, grating, and portioning. Counts, weighs and packages food items such as bagged lunches. Prepares beverages and food items such as tea, coffee and toast.

2. Sets up diet food trays and ensures diet trays go to the correct wards by methods such as placing diet food on plates, attaching patient labels, loading meals on the correct food wagons, and delivering food as needed.

3. Checks and records food and fridge temperatures by inserting thermometer in edibles and reading fridge thermometers. Advises supervisor of discrepancies arising from the actual versus required food and beverage temperatures.

4. Places leftover prepared food items in cold storage according to established protocol by performing duties such as wrapping, labeling and dating items. Retrieves and utilizes leftover prepared food items, opened packages and/or cans before preparing further amounts. Discards refrigerated leftovers according to protocols.

4. Prepares for and cleans up from internal catering functions by methods such as setting up tea and coffee and any accompanying snacks such as cookies. Delivers the catering.

5. Strips, racks and washes items such as dishes, pots, pans and utensils; operates dishwashing and/or pot washing machines; and stacks clean dishes and utensils.

6. Helps put away supplies ensuring they are put in the correct location, dated and rotated according to Food Safe protocols.

7. Maintains work areas such as kitchen, dining room, food preparation and storage areas by performing cleaning duties such as sweeping and damp mopping floors, cleaning and sanitizing ward cutlery, mugs, dishes, counter tops, sinks, machines and equipment, and spot washing walls and splash areas; and removes garbage as required.

8. Performs clerical duties such as answering the telephone; documenting food, fridge and dishwasher temperatures, and cleaning audits; and making diet labels.

9. Performs inventory control duties such as storing and rotating food and supplies

10. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience

• Grade 12 plus one (1) year’s recent, related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Food Safe Certificate.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to organize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment.