Culinary Assistant

Join Vaughan Regional Medical Center in Selma, AL, a 175-bed, Joint Commission–accredited community hospital that serves as a critical healthcare hub in the region. Vaughan delivers a full complement of hospital services, including emergency care, to the Black Belt area of southern Alabama. As part of ScionHealth, Vaughan combines system strength with strong local impact so that you can make your mark where your work truly matters.

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Food Services, the Food Service Worker performs a variety of food service tasks, including preparing and serving meals, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and dining areas, and assisting with inventory and stocking. The role ensures adherence to safety, sanitation, and infection control guidelines in a healthcare setting.

Essential Functions

• Prepares and serves hot and cold meals for patients, staff, and visitors according to menu guidelines.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization in the kitchen, dining areas, and storage rooms.
• Stocks supplies and rotates inventory to ensure freshness and prevent waste.
• Delivers food carts to patient care units and retrieves them after meals.
• Washes dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment either by hand or using dishwashing machines.
• Assists in the preparation of meal trays and ensures accuracy of meal delivery based on dietary restrictions.
• Disposes of trash and waste materials according to established guidelines.
• Follows infection control and safety protocols, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Assists in special cleaning projects as directed by the Food Services Director or Supervisor.  

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication skills and ability to interact with patients, staff, and visitors courteously.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and perform repetitive tasks.                 

Education

• Must be able to read at an 8th-grade level.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.                  

Licenses/Certifications

• None Required

Experience

• No prior experience required.
• Previous food service or customer service experience preferred, particularly in a healthcare setting.