Host/Hostess Research (Per Diem)

• 1. RESEARCH MEAL SERVICE -Prepares high quality hot and/or cold food items for service to individual patients enrolled in research studies. Follows all procedures and production sheets in a precise manner, including weights, measurements and ingredients, to prepare hot and cold food items that strictly adhere to research study protocols. Prepares plates and trays in an attractive manner. Delivers trays to research patients and/or provides bagged-meals for out patients to take home. Collects trays at end of meal, accurately weighes, measures and records leftover food items.
• 2. INFANT AND ADULT FORMULA PREPARATIONS - Accurately weighs, measures and mixes powders and liquids following specific procedures to prepare individual infant and adult patient formulas according to formula card instructions. Washes and sanitizes formula containers and blenders. Accurately labels formulas, and maintains established logs and records.
• 3. CHILD PSYCH MEAL SERVICE - Serves age-specific meals to Child Psych patients, according to specific diets and the menu of the day. Prepares alternative hot and cold food items based upon standards. Prepares and sets up snacks and nourishments for patients.
• 4. FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS - Maintains food safety standards. Demonstrates understanding of correct food safety principles and techniques applicable to basic cooking required to prepare meals for Research and Child Psych patients and consistently applies these techniques. Correctly uses a calibrated thermometer to verify and document that all foods are properly cooked to specified internal temperatures and refrigerator/freezer temperatures are appropriately maintained. Takes corrective action and documents when proper food holding temperatures are not appropriately met. Consistently and appropriately covers, labels, dates, and stores all food items under responsibility. Reports any food products of questionable quality to supervisor. Rotates stock according to FIFO following departmental policy.
• 5. EQUIPMENT AND INVENTORY - Demonstrates competency in the proper operation, care and maintenance of equipment used (e.g. stove, oven, microwave oven, pasta cooker). Accurately completes inventories, orders, and puts away food and nourishments for the research kitchen, child psych kitchen and bulk nourishments on the units. Maintains inventory of formulas in the kitchen and the formula closet.
• 6. SANITATION AND PERSONAL HYGIENE - Consistently follows established sanitation and personal hygiene guidelines to help prevent the spread of food borne illness. Maintains a clean and neat work area by adhering to the -clean as you go- policy. Proper hand washing techniques are followed at all times. Cleans and sanitizes all food handling equipment prior to use according to standard procedures. Uses and stores cleaning agents properly.

EDUCATION

High School Diploma or GED preferred. Understanding of basic dietary principles.

EXPERIENCE

Must have a minimum of two years' food preparation experience, preferred 6 months within a hospital food service environment.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Must have a demonstrated ability to read, write and understand English. Must be able to precisely follow verbal and written instructions in order to precisely follow all procedures involved in food and formula preparation and breast milk fortification, and possess knowledge of basic math and measures . Must have demonstrated outstanding interpersonal/customer relations skills. Must be able to work with minimal supervision and utilize independent judgment and problem solving when needed.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Moderate physical activity, requires ability to stand and walk more than 4 hours per day, with ability to lift, push and pull carts, and food supplies (occasionally up to 25 pounds, and/or continuously up to 10 pounds). Work environment involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises which require following basic safety precautions; and, working with cleaning chemicals requiring Personal Protective Equipment (PPE's) provided.