Position Overview

The Food Service Associate at United Health Services (UHS) plays an important role in supporting patient and customer wellbeing by providing safe, high-quality food service in a healthcare setting. This role helps create a positive experience through accurate meal preparation and assembly, attention to sanitation and food safety standards, and respectful customer interactions. Working as part of a collaborative team, the Food Service Associate contributes to efficient daily operations while reflecting UHS values of compassion, respect, and teamwork. Every connection matters as you help deliver service that supports care, comfort, and community.

Primary Department, Division, or Unit:

Food and Nutrition Services, UHS Senior Living at Ideal

Primary Work Shift:

Multiple shifts available

Compensation Range:

$15.00 - $20.74 per hour, depending on experience

You will be eligible for benefits if you are hired into a regular position with at least 24 scheduled weekly hours.

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Job Responsibilities 

Essential Functions: 

• Assemble and portion patient, resident, and customer meals accurately to support safe, timely food service 
• Prepare salads, desserts, beverages, and short‑order items following approved menus and portion guidelines 
• Stock nourishment items and service supplies to meet daily unit and customer needs 
• Operate dishwashing equipment to maintain clean, sanitary cookware, utensils, and service ware 
• Maintain assigned service stations to ensure readiness for each meal period 
• Assist customers by answering menu questions and accommodating special requests with professionalism 
• Complete scheduled cleaning tasks 

Scope and Impact: 

• Support patient, resident, and customer satisfaction through dependable food preparation and service 
• Contribute to smooth daily operations by working collaboratively with food service team members
• Perform assigned duties under general supervision with accountability for quality and accuracy 

Compliance and Professional: 

• Follow food safety, sanitation, and hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) standards to maintain a clean and safe work environment 
• Complete required training and competency validation within established timelines 
• Safeguard sensitive data by following established security policies and procedures, using systems responsibly, and promptly reporting potential security incidents, risks, or policy violations 
• As applicable to your role, support cybersecurity and data protection requirements throughout the supplier lifecycle by coordinating vendor risk assessments, monitoring third-party compliance, and promptly reporting identified supply chain or cybersecurity risks 

Additional Expectations: 

• As applicable to the assigned role, ability to read, write, speak, and understand English to perform job duties and communicate effectively 
• Demonstrate UHS Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation in all daily work and interactions 
• Execute responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and applicable regulations 
• Perform additional responsibilities as required to meet department and organizational needs 

Position Qualifications 

Preferred: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent 
• Up to 1 year of customer/patient-facing experience directly interacting and communicating with the public 
• Up to 1 year of related experience in a role or field that provides transferable skills or knowledge relevant to the position 
• Up to 1 year of healthcare experience working in the healthcare industry in any job function 

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Why You’ll Love Working at UHS

At United Health Services (UHS), we believe every connection—to patients, to purpose, to each other—makes a difference. That’s why we’re intentional about supporting our team in ways that go beyond the job. Whether through meaningful benefits, personal growth, or fun along the way, we’re here to help you thrive in work and life.

A Culture of Connection – We support each other like family and create space for every voice to be heard. Engagement Councils, peer recognition, and initiatives like Walk in my Shoes for senior leaders are just a few ways we foster belonging and collaboration. Outside of work, we stay connected through team events like trivia, trunk-or-treat, volunteer days, our staff choir, or seasonal celebrations.

Comprehensive Benefits for Life & Family – We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month after hire for employees working 24+ hours/week. With flexible plan options and coverage tiers, you can choose what fits your life best. Additional perks include discounted childcare through Bright Horizons and voluntary benefits like pet insurance, legal services, and identity theft protection.

Well-Being & Financial Security – From day one, PTO starts accruing so you can take time to recharge. We support your long-term wellness with a 403(b) retirement plan and company match, flexible spending accounts, access to financial advisors, and up to $400/year in wellness rewards. When life gets tough, we’re here with 24/7 EAP counseling, virtual mental health support, a food pantry, PTO donation program, and professional attire through the Classy Closet.

Growth That Moves with You – With access to 100,000+ online courses, leadership programs, tuition reimbursement, clinical ladders, and internal mobility, we help you grow wherever your passion leads. We also continuously review compensation to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity, so you can feel confident your work is valued and rewarded fairly.

A Place to Call Home – Located in New York’s Southern Tier, UHS offers more than a career—we offer a lifestyle. Enjoy four-season recreation, affordable living, top-rated schools, minor league sports, craft brews, a close-knit community, and more, all within reach of the Finger Lakes, the Catskills, and major Northeast cities.

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About United Health Services

United Health Services (UHS) is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system in New York’s Southern Tier comprising four hospitals, long-term care and home care services, and physician practices in Broome and surrounding counties. UHS provides healthcare and medical services for two-thirds of the region’s population, produces $1.3 billion a year in total economic impact, and boasts a workforce of more than 6,300 employees and providers. 

At UHS, our work is guided by our Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation. Whether you provide direct patient care or support behind the scenes, you are part of a shared purpose: to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Every employee plays a meaningful role in fulfilling our mission—we’d love for you to consider joining us!

 

United Health Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.