Food Tray Passer

Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, located in White Plains, New York, is a renowned healthcare institution specializing in post-acute rehabilitation services. The hospital is dedicated to helping patients recover and regain their independence after serious injuries, surgeries, or illnesses through a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates physical, occupational, and speech therapies, as well as specialized medical care. Recognized for its exceptional patient-centered care, the hospital emphasizes innovation, compassionate treatment, and a supportive environment for both patients and staff. As an equal employment opportunity employer, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in its workforce, ensuring that all employees are valued and respected regardless of their background or personal characteristics.

This position is part of the Food Service Department at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, offering an essential role in the daily operations that directly enhance patient care and satisfaction. The role is structured to accommodate varying schedules including day shifts with hours that vary, providing flexibility within the food service team. Compensation for this position is hourly, starting at $22.68, with potential adjustments based on shift differentials, experience, education, or other relevant factors.

The primary responsibility of this role is to efficiently and courteously deliver meal trays to patients, ensuring that dietary orders are accurately followed and nutritional needs met. The position involves working at various trayline stations such as starter, milk, juice, salad, coffee, serving, and runner stations. Attention to hygiene and safety standards is paramount, including the wearing of gloves when handling ready-to-eat foods and patient silverware, as well as practicing universal precautions to maintain a clean and safe food service environment.

This job demands careful reading and assembly of tray tickets to ensure patients receive the correct meals and beverages. Each tray delivery must be carried out with strict adherence to patient identification protocols, requiring verification using two patient IDs before room delivery. Beyond direct tray service, the role includes retrieving patient trays from assigned units and efficiently managing dishroom tasks such as loading, unloading, cleaning, sanitizing, and air drying trays, china, silverware, cups, and bowls.

Additional responsibilities include performing service recovery after all trays have been delivered, addressing and resolving any patient concerns about their meals promptly and professionally. The employee will also prepare and deliver missing or requested items, following diet orders precisely, and provide alternative menu options if a patient refuses the prescribed meal, to ensure continued adequate nutritional intake.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate effective communication skills tailored to interactions with diverse patient populations spanning pediatric, adolescent, and young adult age groups. They must possess the physical stamina to stand and work on their feet for the entire shift, and the resilience to handle hot and humid dishroom conditions while maintaining a positive, cooperative attitude. Confidence and good judgment in managing patient complaints and collaborating with nursing staff, patients, and the food service department are essential.

At Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, this position not only supports operational excellence in food service but also contributes significantly to the overall patient experience and recovery process. Employees in this role become valued members of a dedicated healthcare team that prioritizes patient wellness and satisfaction. The hospital strives to create an inclusive, supportive workplace culture that values each employee’s contributions and fosters professional growth and development.