Wait Staff Associate - Food Service Department, Part-time, Evenings

Wait Staff Associate - Food Service Department, Part-time, Evenings

Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Salary: $20.00 per hour (plus $0.97 per hour shift difference). Overtime is applicable.
Full benefits package available. See our benefits page for details.

Hours:

24 hours per week.

Shift: 2:30 PM – 9:00 PM or 3:00 PM – 9:30 PM (including rotating weekends and holidays).

Location:

Feinberg/Galter; FL BS.
Union compensation is non‑negotiable. The position is non‑exempt, eligible for overtime.

The Wait Staff Associate supports the Department of Food & Nutrition by delivering and retrieving patient trays within a room service model. The role requires timely and safe food handling, adherence to dietary restrictions, and compliance with patient‑care guidelines.

• Follow oral and written instructions such as policies and procedures.
• Read and comprehend tray tickets; answer dietary restriction questions.
• Serve and retrieve patient and guest trays in a courteous, professional manner.
• Notify Expeditors/Nutrition Operators of any food issues so meals can be completed or modified appropriately.
• Deliver trays to patients and visitors according to established procedures.
• Retrieve trays within one hour of service and conduct satisfaction checks with patients.
• Observe HIPAA and patient identification guidelines.
• Work safely: move carts, observe security procedures, use elevators appropriately.
• Clean and sanitize delivery and retrieval carts daily; maintain soiled tray carts as designated.
• Operate dishwashing equipment, including setup, breakdown, deliming, temperature logs, and sanitation.
• Adhere to diet and allergy restrictions for patient food orders.
• Deliver floor stock daily according to pars and rotate stock per food‑safety procedures.
• Document refrigeration temperatures daily in patient pantries.
• Maintain galleys in a safe, clean conditions; report damaged or unsafe equipment.
• Complete all assigned cleaning by the end of each shift, including detailed cleaning duties.
• Follow established cleaning schedules and use proper chemicals.
• Maintain work area in a clean and orderly manner.
• Attend department in‑services, meetings, and required hospital training and surveys.
• Assist in tray assembly and dishroom duties as needed; follow break schedules.
• Manage supplies and equipment to ensure efficiency, including portioning and storage of food.
• Notify management of workload status and availability for additional assignments.
• Assist in orienting new employees by demonstrating basic duties.
• Respond to management requests promptly and positively.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Two years of relevant service experience.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Maintain a positive, friendly manner during peak service times, focusing on timeliness, accuracy, and excellent service.

• High School graduate or GED.
• Food Handling Certification from the Health Department – City of Chicago.

All application information will be kept confidential per EEO guidelines. Northwestern Medicine is an equal‑opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.

Northwestern Medicine conducts background checks that include criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If offered a position, you must complete an authorization and disclosure form that permits the background check. Results are evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis per Illinois law.

Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within one year are not eligible for the sign‑on bonus. New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position may be eligible depending on the job family.