Dining Services Associate

At Spanish Cove Retirement Village, dining is more than serving a meal—it is an important part of our residents’ daily experience. Our Dining Services Associates help create a welcoming, comfortable, and enjoyable dining environment while ensuring residents receive meals that are prepared and served with care.

We are looking for dependable, compassionate, and service-minded individuals who enjoy working with people and take pride in creating positive experiences for our residents.

Come Join the Spanish Cove Family!

Job Description

Job Title: Dining Services Associate

Department: Dining ServicesPosition Type: Essential EmployeeSchedule: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Pay Rate: $13.00 per hour

Essential Employee Requirement

As an essential employee, this position requires a willingness and ability to work weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather as scheduled.

Benefits

Spanish Cove is committed to supporting our employees both personally and professionally. Benefits and opportunities may include:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Holiday Pay
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Employer Matching
• Annual Bonus Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Fund
• Continuing Education Opportunities
• Scholarship Programs
• Mentorship Opportunities
• Employee Referral Bonuses
• Retirement Bonus
• Career Advancement Opportunities

Position Summary

The Dining Services Associate supports daily dining operations by assisting with food preparation, meal service, dining room setup and cleanup, sanitation, and resident service.

This position plays an important role in creating a positive dining experience for our residents by providing friendly, respectful, and attentive service while following established menus, food safety standards, infection control practices, and departmental procedures.

The ideal candidate is dependable, team-oriented, attentive to detail, and genuinely enjoys serving older adults.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Resident Dining & Hospitality

• Provide friendly, respectful, and professional service to residents during meal periods.
• Assist residents with meal selections and provide information regarding menu options.
• Help residents make meal selections that support their individual nutritional needs and preferences, within established dietary guidelines.
• Create a welcoming and pleasant dining environment for residents and guests.
• Respond to resident requests and concerns in a courteous manner and communicate needs to the appropriate team member or supervisor.
• Maintain professionalism, patience, and compassion when interacting with residents, families, visitors, and coworkers.
• Support special events, functions, and resident activities involving Dining Services.

Food & Meal Preparation

• Assist with preparation of food, salads, desserts, beverages, snacks, and other items according to the planned menu cycle.
• Follow the Daily Production Sheet and established preparation procedures.
• Prepare beverages and other meal components according to the posted menu.
• Prepare nourishment juices and snacks according to the Daily Census Sheet.
• Prepare food and other items for upcoming meals and/or the following day as assigned.
• Assist with special meal preparation and functions as scheduled.
• Follow established food handling, sanitation, and food safety procedures at all times.

Dining Room & Meal Service

• Prepare and set up the dining room for scheduled meals.
• Ensure beverages, condiments, and other dining supplies are properly stocked and available.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming dining environment.
• Clean and sanitize tables, chairs, condiment areas, and other dining surfaces following each meal.
• Restock condiments and dining supplies as needed.
• Assist with meal service and ensure residents receive meals according to established procedures.

Sanitation & Department Operations

• Set up and operate the dish machine according to established procedures.
• Record wash and rinse temperatures on the Dish Machine Temperature Chart.
• Wash and sanitize dishes, utensils, equipment, and other items following meal service.
• Sweep and mop floors after each meal and as needed.
• Complete assigned cleaning duties according to the posted cleaning schedule.
• Assist with final cleaning and closing procedures for the Dining Services Department.
• Maintain a clean, safe, sanitary, and organized work environment.

Teamwork, Safety & Compliance

• Participate in Dining Services meetings and training.
• Work cooperatively with coworkers, supervisors, and other departments to support quality resident care and service.
• Follow all Spanish Cove Retirement Village and departmental policies and procedures.
• Comply with infection control practices, OSHA requirements, Risk Management standards, and applicable food safety requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with organizational policies.
• Follow the Spanish Cove Employee Code of Ethics.
• Report safety concerns, equipment issues, resident concerns, or other operational issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Physical Requirements

The Dining Services Associate must be able to perform the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively complete assigned duties, including frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.

The position requires the ability to lift, move, push, pull, and/or transfer up to 50 pounds and to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Enjoy working with and serving older adults.
• Provides friendly and respectful customer service.
• Is dependable and willing to work as part of a team.
• Takes pride in cleanliness, organization, and attention to detail.
• Can work effectively in a fast-paced dining environment.
• Communicate professionally with residents, families, visitors, and coworkers.
• Demonstrates patience, compassion, and a positive attitude.
• Is willing to learn and follow established procedures.
• Understands the importance of reliability in a senior living environment.

Our Commitment

At Spanish Cove, every employee contributes to the experience and quality of life of our residents. Whether preparing a meal, serving a resident, keeping the dining room welcoming, or supporting a coworker, your work matters.

We invite you to become part of the Spanish Cove Family and help us create dining experiences where our residents feel welcomed, respected, and cared for.

Apply here or go to Spanishcove.com under Resources> Job Opportunities> Apply Now.

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.