Food Service Worker | Part-Time

Howard University Hospital  |  Washington, DC

Role Summary

Howard University Hospital is seeking a dependable and service-oriented Food Service Worker to support patient nutrition services and cafeteria operations. Reporting to the Clinical Nutrition Manager, you will ensure accurate meal tray assembly, safe food handling, and a clean, sanitary environment in accordance with hospital policies and federal and local health regulations.

This is a meaningful, patient-facing role that plays a critical part in supporting patient recovery and delivering a positive dining experience.

What You’ll Do

• Assemble and verify patient meal trays using tray tickets and modified diet instructions
• Ensure food portions align with prescribed diet plans and check trays for accuracy
• Explain menu options and assist patients with meal selections
• Deliver food carts and trays to patient units and bedside
• Retrieve soiled trays, carts, and utensils from patient floors
• Maintain clean, sanitary, and organized work areas
• Dispose of trash and food waste according to sanitation policies
• Clean walk-in refrigerators and storage areas
• Assist with preparation and portioning of salads, desserts, and other items
• Operate and clean standard kitchen equipment safely
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support department operations

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Minimum six (6) months of food service experience required; healthcare food service experience preferred
• Understanding of food safety and sanitation standards
• Knowledge of diet modifications and common food allergies
• Ability to follow tray assembly procedures and portion control guidelines
• Ability to read and follow written and verbal instructions
• Strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated customer service skills
• Ability to safely operate and clean kitchen equipment

About Howard University Hospital

Howard University Hospital (HUH) is the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. With a legacy dating back to 1862 — when it operated as Freedmen’s Hospital, providing care and refuge to those who had been denied it elsewhere — HUH has grown into one of the most comprehensive healthcare facilities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and is a designated DC Level 1 Trauma Center. Today, HUH continues its proud tradition of delivering exemplary, patient-centered, and culturally responsive care to the community, while providing exceptional learning and professional development opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

What We Offer

• Work-life balance
• Recognition and rewards for professional expertise
• Competitive, comprehensive benefit plans including health, disability, vacation, sick leave, and 403(b) retirement plan
• Tuition remission at Howard University for you and/or eligible dependent children — up to two (2) courses per semester
• A mission-driven environment rooted in over 150 years of excellence, service, and advocacy for the communities we serve

Position Details

Pay & Schedule

This is a part-time, non-exempt position covered under the Local 2094 collective bargaining agreement. Pay range: $17.00 – $27.20/hr, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Compliance Statements

Culture of Care: Howard University Hospital supports a Just Culture that promotes accountability, learning, and patient safety.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation: Howard University Hospital is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department at HUHLA@huhosp.org.

Pay Transparency: Salary ranges listed in job postings reflect the expected compensation range for the position and are provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws. Final compensation is determined based on experience, education, internal equity, and other relevant factors.

Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.