Food Service Assistant at Sanford Health - Ottumwa, IA

Role Overview

Sanford Health is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Food Service Assistant to join our team in Ottumwa, Iowa. As a Food Service Assistant, you will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our food service department. Your responsibilities will include food preparation, serving, maintaining cleanliness, and providing excellent customer service. This is a full-time, rotating shift position, offering a dynamic work environment and opportunities for growth within our organization.

A Day in the Life

Here’s a glimpse into what your day might look like as a Food Service Assistant:

• Morning: Arrive for your shift, review the daily menu, and prepare your workstation. You'll check food temperatures to ensure they meet safety standards and begin prepping ingredients for the day's meals.
• Mid-day: Serve food to patients, staff, and visitors, ensuring a pleasant and efficient experience. You’ll operate the cash register, handle payments, and answer any questions about the menu items.
• Afternoon: Restock food and beverage areas, clean and sanitize equipment, and maintain a tidy work environment. You might also assist with food preparation for the evening meal service.
• Throughout the Day: Adhere to HACCP guidelines, maintain quality control standards, and collaborate with your team to ensure a seamless food service operation.

Why Ottumwa, Iowa?

Ottumwa is a vibrant community located in southeastern Iowa. It offers a blend of small-town charm and access to larger city amenities. Here are a few reasons why you might enjoy living and working in Ottumwa:

• Affordable Living: Ottumwa boasts a lower cost of living compared to many other cities in the United States, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget.
• Community Spirit: Ottumwa is known for its friendly and welcoming community. You'll find numerous opportunities to get involved in local events and activities.
• Outdoor Recreation: Enjoy the great outdoors with access to parks, trails, and waterways. The Des Moines River offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking.
• Rich History: Explore Ottumwa's historical roots by visiting local museums and landmarks. Learn about the city's contributions to industry and culture.
• Convenient Location: Ottumwa is within driving distance of larger cities like Des Moines and Iowa City, providing easy access to a wider range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Career Path

Sanford Health is committed to providing opportunities for career growth and development. As a Food Service Assistant, you can advance your career by pursuing additional training and certifications. Possible career paths include:

• Food Service Supervisor: Oversee the daily operations of the food service department and supervise other food service staff.
• Dietary Aide: Assist patients with their dietary needs and provide nutritional support.
• Cook: Prepare meals according to established recipes and dietary guidelines.
• Chef: Lead the culinary team and develop new menu items.
• Registered Dietitian: Provide comprehensive nutrition counseling and develop personalized meal plans for patients.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is estimated to be between $27,000 and $35,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications. Sanford Health offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, sick leave, and personal days.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with employer matching.
• Life Insurance: Coverage for employees and their dependents.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Assistance with educational expenses.
• Employee Discounts: Discounts on various products and services.
• Sign-on Bonus: $5000 sign-on bonus for eligible candidates.

Sanford Culture

Sanford Health is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment for all employees. We value teamwork, respect, and a commitment to providing exceptional patient care. Here are some aspects of our culture that you can expect:

• Teamwork: We work together to achieve common goals and support each other's success.
• Respect: We treat each other with respect and value diverse perspectives.
• Integrity: We adhere to the highest ethical standards in all that we do.
• Compassion: We demonstrate compassion and empathy in our interactions with patients and colleagues.
• Innovation: We embrace new ideas and strive to improve our services and processes.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining the Sanford Health team as a Food Service Assistant, we encourage you to apply online through our career website. Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience. We look forward to hearing from you!

FAQ

1. What are the minimum age requirements for this position? The minimum age requirement is 16 years old.
2. Is previous food service experience required? Previous food service experience is preferred but not required. On-the-job training will be provided.
3. Do I need to have a ServSafe certification? Depending on the location, ServSafe certification may be required within a designated timeframe.
4. What are the typical working hours for this position? This is a full-time position with rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.
5. What is the dress code for Food Service Assistants? The dress code typically includes a uniform shirt, pants, and closed-toe shoes. Specific details will be provided during orientation.
6. Are there opportunities for advancement within the food service department? Yes, Sanford Health offers various opportunities for career advancement within the food service department.
7. What is the sign-on bonus eligibility? Sign-on bonus eligibility is subject to certain terms and conditions. Please inquire with the hiring manager for details.
8. Is Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required? BLS certification may be required depending on location requirements.
9. What type of equipment will I be operating? You may operate equipment such as grills, beverage machines, toasters, ice cream dispensers, cash registers, computerized cash registers, steam equipment, dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers.
10. Who can I contact if I have questions about the application process? If you have any questions or require accommodation for your online application, please call 1-877-673-0854 or email talent@sanfordhealth.org.