Food Service Associate

Smithfield, Virginia

Opening in early 2026, Riverside Smithfield Hospital will bring high-quality healthcare closer to home for Isle of Wight County residents. Located on a beautifully landscaped 27-acre medical campus at 19339 Benn’s Grant Boulevard in Smithfield
, the new hospital will provide modern facilities and comprehensive medical services to meet the growing needs of the community.

The 200,000-square-foot, three-story facility will offer a range of essential healthcare services including an Emergency Department, Diagnostic Imaging Services, 38 Medical/Surgical beds, 12 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds and 4 Operating Rooms.

We anticipate start dates to begin Fall, 2025.

The Food Services Associate is responsible for preparing and serving foods to patients, visitors and hospital team members. They will demonstrate knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards and promote and maintain a safe work environment for staff and customers.

• Complete food preparation following recipes/techniques as designated on production worksheets and in compliance with regulatory guidelines and Food & Nutrition Services policy/procedures. Demonstrate competence to complete prep work, including but not limited to slicing lunch meat, chopping fruits & vegetables, preparing salads and sandwiches. Complete meal service ensuring proper portion control and plate presentation.
• Follow therapeutic menus to ensure patients receive consistent, competent, and quality nutritional care within their diet therapy guidelines and as ordered by the physician. Accurately assemble patient trays based on the patient/resident specific tray ticket or tray card, ensuring accuracy to diet order and allergy restrictions.
• Maintain knowledge of food safety, infection control, and sanitation regulatory compliance requirements and Food & Nutrition Service policy/procedures. Consistently comply with temperature, quality, sanitation & storage at all key steps. Actively use the FIFO (First-in/First-out) system to control food waste. Label & date all product according to policy and alert management of discrepancies.
• Demonstrate positive interpersonal relations with patients and families, and communicate effectively with internal customers (physicians, team members, etc.). Demonstrate flexibility and reliability in meeting customer needs.
• Use time effectively during periods of heavy workload; aid other workers in completing their work. Ensure completion of all assigned cleaning tasks as noted in job work flows and posted assignment sheets before shift end. Alert supervisor/manager when unable to complete tasks.

• High School Diploma or GED (Preferred)

• 1 year prior food service experience, preferably in a healthcare facility (Preferred)

• Allergen Awareness Certification - VA State - ANSI-approved Allergen Awareness certificate program within 180 days (Required)
• Food Handlers Card (FH) - VA State - ANSI-approved Food Handlers certificate program within 30 days (Required)
• Food Protection Manager - VA State - ANSI approved Food Protection Manager Certification - VA State (Required)

Full Time and Part Time Shifts available.

To learn more about being a team member with Riverside Health System visit us at