Lead - Patient Meal Services

Barnes-Jewish Hospital at Washington University Medical Center is the largest hospital in Missouri and is nationally recognized as one of the top hospitals by U.S. News and World Report. As a premier healthcare institution, Barnes-Jewish Hospital offers exceptional medical services through its collaboration with full-time academic faculty and community physicians from Washington University School of Medicine, supported by a dedicated house staff consisting of residents, interns, fellows, and other medical professionals. The hospital's commitment to excellence in patient care is underscored by its status as the first adult hospital in Missouri to be certified as a Magnet Hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, highlighting its superior nursing services and dedication to patient well-being.

The Department of Food and Nutrition at Barnes-Jewish Hospital plays a critical role in supporting patient recovery and satisfaction by managing a wide range of food services across the North and South Campus. This includes patient meal programs, clinical nutrition services, retail dining locations such as the Queeny Tower Restaurant, three cafeterias, and three coffee bars. The department is committed to providing excellent customer service to patients, visitors, and employees through qualified staff who address nutritional needs according to specific dietary guidelines, thereby promoting improved clinical outcomes and an enhanced healing process. Opportunities for employment within the department span from entry-level positions to licensed and certified management roles, reflecting the department’s commitment to career growth and development.

The Lead Patient Meal Services role is a vital leadership position within the Food and Nutrition team at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. As a Lead, individuals will oversee the daily operations of patient meal services, ensuring efficient delivery while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance. This full-time opportunity, located in Saint Louis, Missouri, offers an hourly wage ranging from $17.75 to $25.56, based on qualifications and relevant experience, and includes the benefit of daily pay availability.

The primary responsibilities of the Lead Patient Meal Services include assisting supervisors and managers with the operational management of patient services, directing and training staff, and maintaining quality control standards. The Lead is also responsible for monitoring dietary compliance, patient and nursing satisfaction, and the overall quality of food served. This role requires an individual who enjoys working collaboratively, demonstrates leadership skills, and is committed to helping others achieve their goals. Additionally, the Lead Patient Meal Services plays an active role in quality assurance by evaluating patient meal selections, dietary restrictions, allergies, tray completion and delivery, and tray retrieval processes daily, ensuring all protocols related to diet, safety, and sanitation are adhered to.

This role demands someone who is responsive to patient needs, capable of addressing patient concerns promptly, and works closely with supervisors to report if additional assistance is necessary. The position requires flexibility to work various roles within the department as needed to maintain quality and timeliness of service. Candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED and have 2 to 5 years of relevant experience. Though supervisory experience is not required, the role offers opportunities to develop leadership skills within a supportive and collaborative environment. ServSafe Certification is preferred to align with food safety standards. This role offers comprehensive benefits inclusive of medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance funded by the employer, retirement plans with automatic contributions and matching, tuition assistance, and paid time off benefits that combine vacation, sick days, holidays, and personal time. Employees can also access adoption assistance and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care. Barnes-Jewish Hospital fosters a culture that values compassion, respect, excellence, safety, and teamwork—making it an outstanding place to build a rewarding career in healthcare food service.