Van Driver Hospital Food Services

Position Summary :

The Food Services Delivery Driver coordinates the delivery of meals, snacks, and supplies to all patient care units and service areas within Northlake Behavioral Health System. This position supports the overall dietary operation by ensuring timely and accurate meal service, assisting with food preparation and sanitation tasks, and maintaining a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment. The Dietary Runner works closely and cooperatively with other dietary team members to promote quality service and patient satisfaction and is accountable to the Dietary Supervisor and Director of Dietary Services.

Essential Functions :

Meal Preparation & Delivery

Prepare and deliver meals, snacks, and beverages according to established schedules and diet orders.

Ensure all food and beverage items are accurately labeled, dated, and rotated following the FIFO (First In, First Out) method.

Maintain required food temperatures and adhere to all infection control and safety standards during preparation and delivery.

Assist with meal service on the tray line and in patient areas, ensuring timely, accurate, and courteous service.

Ensure beverage preparation and delivery are completed by designated serving times.

Sanitation & Safety

Perform routine cleaning duties, including removing trash, sweeping, mopping, washing, and sanitizing dishes and surfaces as outlined on cleaning checklists.

Clean and sanitize delivery bags, carts, and other food transport equipment regularly.

Properly use and maintain dish machines and other kitchen equipment.

Accurately complete and maintain required logs (e.g., ice scoop, three-compartment sink, and dish machine logs).

Follow all hospital infection prevention, food safety, and hazard control policies.

Teamwork & Communication

Demonstrate flexibility with work hours and duties to meet patient and organizational needs.

Maintain professional and respectful communication with patients, co-workers, and supervisors.

Remain calm and courteous during challenging or high-stress customer service interactions.

Support co-workers by assisting as needed and promoting a cooperative team environment.

Confidentiality & Compliance

Maintain strict confidentiality of patient information and other sensitive data.

Adhere to all hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.

Perform additional duties as assigned to meet departmental or hospital needs.

Minimum Qualifications :

Education : High school diploma or GED preferred

Experience : At least one year of driving experience, or equivalent education / experience; knowledge of food hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing methods; and understanding of applicable standards, including HACCP, HIPAA, DNV, and DHH.

Competencies : Ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently while maintaining accuracy and efficiency; Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions; Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Licensure / Certification : Must have a valid and unencumbered Driver’s License; Must have a clear driving record and qualify to be added to the company’s auto insurance

Other Requirements : Ability to maintain focus despite environmental distractions such as noise or activity.

HIPAA : Must comply with all HIPAA standards. Access to Protected Health Information (PHI) is limited to information necessary for special diets.

Work Demands / Environment :

The physical demands, sensory requirements, and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves, patients, or others.

Physical Demands : Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, and lift. Occasional exertion up to 80 lbs, frequent exertion up to 60 lbs. Ability to perform repetitive motions with wrists, hands, and fingers. Must be able to operate all kitchen equipment.

Speech / Communication : Ability to express ideas clearly via spoken word, conveying information accurately and, on occasion, quickly to others.

Hearing : Ability to perceive sounds with no less than 40 dB loss at 1000 Hz and 2000 Hz, with or without correction.

Auditory Discrimination : Ability to hear fine distinctions in sound and perceive detailed information through oral communication.

Vision : Ability to see and read labels, recipes, diet orders, and equipment displays accurately.

Accuracy Standard : Must perform tasks with attention to detail, ensuring proper food preparation, labeling, and sanitation compliance.

Work Environment : Worker is subject to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, including proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, and high heat. Exposure may include fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, or poor ventilation. Activities occur throughout the facility and occasionally outdoors.

Northlake Behavioral Health is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for all employment; free from discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preferences, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.