Food Service Associate - Dining Services

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Food Service Associate to support daily foodservice operations. The Food Service Associate plays a key role in ensuring high-quality meal preparation, service, and patient dietary support in a fast-paced healthcare environment. The Food Service Associate will collaborate closely with kitchen, retail, and patient service teams to maintain efficiency, compliance, and service excellence.

UT MD Anderson is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Food Service Associate contributes directly to patient experience and care outcomes by upholding food safety, service quality, and operational standards. The Food Service Associate role is essential in maintaining consistent service delivery across all dining and nourishment areas.

The ideal candidate has a High School Diploma or equivalent and brings at least one year of experience in patient care, customer service, foodservice, or hospitality, a waiter, cashier, or server. A current Texas Food Handlers Certification is required within 30 days, and candidates should demonstrate strong attention to detail, customer service orientation, and the ability to follow standardized food preparation and safety procedures.

Shift: 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.; rotating shifts that include weekends and holidays

Why Us?
Working as a Food Service Associate at UT MD Anderson offers the opportunity to directly support patient care while building a stable and rewarding career in healthcare operations. This role provides hands-on experience in food service, customer engagement, and compliance within a mission-driven environment that values quality, teamwork, and operational excellence, while supporting long-term professional development and work-life balance.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
 

Responsibilities
Service Setup, Food Preparation & Meal Service
• Set up hot/cold lines and café areas to daily specifications, verifying equipment readiness, checking product temperatures, and replenishing items for continuous service
• Prepare and serve menu items such as salads, sandwiches, bakery items, and beverages following standardized recipes and written procedures
• Portion, garnish, and present food according to quality standards while monitoring holding conditions and rotating products for freshness
• Escalate equipment or product issues promptly and assist with fixes or substitutions to maintain service flow
• Assemble and deliver patient trays per order, ensuring correct portions, diet restrictions, and documentation of special instructions
• Conduct quality checks to ensure trays and food are labeled, accurate, and ready for timely service
• Provide courteous assistance to customers, patients, and families, addressing basic menu questions and routing complex concerns
• Support floor stock and nourishment preparation, maintaining par levels and proper inventory rotation
• Serve as Person in Charge (PIC) in absence of leadership
• Monitor supplies and equipment using FIFO practices and ensure proper handling of spoiled or recalled items
Cashiering & Guest Experience Coordination
• Operate POS systems and manage full cash-handling cycle including reconciliation and deposits
• Deliver friendly, solution-oriented service to patients, visitors, and staff
• Assist with menu selections, seating, and maintaining a professional demeanor
• Maintain cleanliness and stock of service areas including condiments and utensils
• Prepare and serve specialized beverages and coffee drinks as assigned
Sanitation, Safety & Regulatory Compliance
• Follow established food safety and sanitation practices including hygiene and allergen prevention
• Complete temperature logs and equipment checks accurately
• Maintain cleanliness of work areas, equipment, and utensils, including waste and spill management
• Use PPE and ensure safe work practices while identifying and escalating hazards
• Support compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements for labeling, storage, and documentation
• Replenish and rotate stock, monitoring inventory levels to minimize waste
• Record production and leftover data to improve forecasting and cost control
• Use Outlook, Excel, and Word to complete logs and basic reporting tasks
• Coordinate with kitchen and service teams to communicate updates and prevent service gaps
Customer Service & Human Experience
• Provide guidance and training to team members performing similar duties
• Ensure all orders meet prescribed diets and customer preferences
• Deliver courteous and timely service to all stakeholders
• Model institutional core values and standards of conduct
• Anticipate and respond proactively to service needs and operational concerns
• Apply HEAL framework to address and resolve service issues
• Report concerns or safety issues promptly and appropriately
• Maintain strict confidentiality of patient information