Department: Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) ChristianaCare is seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Food & Nutrition Services Associate I to support the sanitation and ware washing needs of the department. This role plays a critical part in maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient food service operation by ensuring dishes, utensils, pots, equipment, and work areas meet established sanitation and safety standards.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to cleanliness, infection prevention, teamwork, and excellent customer service while supporting ChristianaCare's Core Values of Excellence and Love.
ChristianaCare? As a Food & Nutrition Services Utility Associate, you will play an important role in maintaining a safe and sanitary environment that supports patient care and service excellence. Join a team dedicated to providing exceptional hospitality, quality, and compassion to every patient, visitor, and caregiver we serve.
Key Responsibilities Operate and maintain food service sanitation equipment, including dish machines, pot sinks, and sanitation stations. Efficiently wash, sanitize, and store dishes, trays, utensils, cookware, and food service equipment. Monitor and record dish machine temperatures according to departmental procedures.
Operate the pot washing area using proper cleaning and sanitizing solutions. Test and monitor sanitizer pH levels in accordance with established procedures. Follow proper ware washing, pot washing, and mopping procedures.
Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment at all times. Remove trash promptly, utilize can liners appropriately, and dispose of cardboard and recyclable materials in designated areas. Follow all ChristianaCare safety standards, State Board of Health regulations, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Adhere to infection prevention practices, including the use of gloves and required protective equipment. Demonstrate ChristianaCare's Core Values and Behaviors in all interactions with patients, families, visitors, coworkers, and medical staff. Report equipment issues, safety concerns, hazards, and unsafe working conditions to leadership promptly.
Perform all assigned duties in accordance with departmental safety policies and procedures. Complete additional duties and assignments as needed to support department operations. Qualifications Education High School Diploma or GED preferred.
Candidates currently enrolled in high school will also be considered. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to read, write, and follow verbal and written instructions. Knowledge of or willingness to learn departmental policies, sanitation procedures, and safety practices.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment. Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
Strong communication and customer service skills. Physical Requirements Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods. Ability to bend, lift, push, pull, carry, reach, twist, stoop, handle materials, and climb as required.
Must successfully meet physical examination requirements and be able to hear, see, speak, and ambulate effectively. Ability to safely perform the physical demands associated with food service sanitation and utility operations. Working Conditions Exposure to cleaning chemicals, sanitizers, and food service cleaning products.
Exposure to hot equipment, dish machines, steam, hot wells, and varying temperatures, including refrigerators and freezers. Potential exposure to infectious materials through returned trays and dish room operations. Exposure to commercial food service equipment and machinery.
Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to infection prevention protocols. This position has a starting rate of $17.80 per hour, regardless of prior experience. After six months of continuous employment, the hourly rate will automatically increase to $20.90 per hour.
After one year of continuous employment, the hourly rate will automatically increase to $21.93 per hour. This pay rate/range represents ChristianaCare’s good faith and reasonable estimate of compensation at the time of posting. The actual salary within this range offered to a successful candidate will depend on individual factors including without limitation skills, relevant experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.
Christiana Care Health System is an equal opportunity employer, firmly committed to prohibiting discrimination, whose staff is reflective of its community, and considers qualified applicants for open positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Post End Date Oct 7, 2026 EEO Posting Statement ChristianaCare offers a competitive suite of employee benefits to maximize the wellness of you and your family, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement, an employee assistance program. To learn more about our benefits for eligible positions visit https://careers.christianacare.org/benefits-compensation/