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Food Service Assistant Jobs in Riverside, IL (NOW HIRING)

True North

Food Service Lead

Hanover Park, IL

$15.25 - $21/hr

Greet and assist customers, providing food and product recommendations * Assist customers and provide product or service recommendations * Communicate customer feedback, concerns, and complaints to ...

truenorth

Food Service Lead

Hanover Park, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $21/hr

Greet and assist customers, providing food and product recommendations * Assist customers and provide product or service recommendations * Communicate customer feedback, concerns, and complaints to ...

Dimmi Dimmi Corner Italian

Service Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Helping to clear tables and run food when needed * Cleaning bar, dining room and/or kitchen areas as needed * Assist with restocking restrooms * Opening and closing duties Service Assistant Benefits ...

Tell Me - Lincoln Park, LLC

Service Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $32/hr

Helping to clear tables and run food when needed * Cleaning bar, dining room and/or kitchen areas as needed * Assist with restocking restrooms * Opening and closing duties Service Assistant Benefits ...

Dimmi Dimmi

Service Assistant

Chicago, IL

$18 - $32/hr

Helping to clear tables and run food when needed * Cleaning bar, dining room and/or kitchen areas as needed * Assist with restocking restrooms * Opening and closing duties Service Assistant Benefits ...

Denny's

Dishwasher/Service Assistant

Hanover Park, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

At Denny's, you can be yourself, relax and enjoy delicious food at any time of the day. Come as you are and be a part of our team! Overview : As a Service Assistant at Denny's, you will play a ...

Denny's

Dishwasher/Service Assistant

Bolingbrook, IL

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

At Denny's, you can be yourself, relax and enjoy delicious food at any time of the day. Come as you are and be a part of our team! Overview : As a Service Assistant at Denny's, you will play a ...

Denny's

Dishwasher/Service Assistant

Norridge, IL

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

At Denny's, you can be yourself, relax and enjoy delicious food at any time of the day. Come as you are and be a part of our team! Overview : As a Service Assistant at Denny's, you will play a ...

Denny's

Dishwasher/Service Assistant

Schiller Park, IL

$15 - $19/hr

At Denny's, you can be yourself, relax and enjoy delicious food at any time of the day. Come as you are and be a part of our team! Overview : As a Service Assistant at Denny's, you will play a ...

Denny's

Dishwasher/Service Assistant

Harwood Heights, IL

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

At Denny's, you can be yourself, relax and enjoy delicious food at any time of the day. Come as you are and be a part of our team! Overview : As a Service Assistant at Denny's, you will play a ...

Denny's

Dishwasher/Service Assistant

Schiller Park, IL · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

At Denny's, you can be yourself, relax and enjoy delicious food at any time of the day. Come as you are and be a part of our team! Overview : As a Service Assistant at Denny's, you will play a ...

Trinity Services Group

Food Service Worker

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Our ideal Food Service Worker excels at the following: * Passionate about food and service * Has a ... Prepare, assist, or instructs inmate labor and/or team members in the preparation of quality foods ...

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Food Service Assistant information

See Riverside, IL salary details

$9

$16

$25

How much do food service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service assistant in Riverside, IL is $16.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $18.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Food Service Assistants?

Food Service Assistants are professionals who support the preparation, serving, and cleaning processes in food establishments such as restaurants, cafeterias, schools, and hospitals. Their responsibilities typically include preparing ingredients, serving food, cleaning dining and kitchen areas, restocking supplies, and ensuring food safety and hygiene standards are met. They work as part of a team to ensure smooth food service operations and a positive dining experience for customers.

What are some common challenges faced by Food Service Assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Food Service Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and time management are crucial. One common challenge is handling peak meal times while maintaining quality and safety standards. Effective communication with kitchen staff and servers helps ensure smooth operations. Staying organized, adhering to hygiene protocols, and being adaptable to sudden changes—like menu adjustments or special dietary requests—are key to managing these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Food Service Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectFood Service AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsMay require food safety certificationOften no formal certification needed
Work EnvironmentCustomer-facing, dining areasKitchen, food prep areas
Employer & IndustryRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringRestaurants, institutional kitchens
Common Search IntentCustomer service, serving foodFood prep, cleaning

While both roles support food service operations, a Food Service Assistant primarily interacts with customers and serves food, often requiring food safety certifications. In contrast, a Kitchen Helper focuses on food prep and kitchen cleaning tasks without direct customer contact. Both roles are essential in food service environments but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Service Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Service Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food hygiene certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and excellent customer service skills help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient operations, maintain food safety standards, and deliver a positive dining experience for customers.

What Is a Food Service Assistant?

A food service assistant helps with the planning, preparing, and serving of meals in a restaurant or other organization that serves food. They may work in schools, hospitals, and assisted living facilities. Job duties may include planning meals, preparing food, delivering food to customers, managing stock, maintaining supplies, cleaning the kitchen and service areas, and running the cash register. There are no educational requirements to become a food service assistant, but many vocational schools and community colleges offer courses in the food service industry. Some state their food service careers in this entry-level position and seek promotions as they gain experience.

More about Food Service Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Riverside, IL? The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Riverside, IL are:
What cities near Riverside, IL are hiring for Food Service Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, IL with the most Food Service Assistant job openings:
Food Service Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Assistant job openings in Riverside, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 47% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,986 per year, or $16.8 per hour.
Food Service Assistant I - Patient Food Services - Days

Food Service Assistant I - Patient Food Services - Days

NorthShore

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

$17 - $23.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Hourly Pay Range:
$17.00 - $23.80 - The hourly pay rate offered is determined by a candidate's expertise and years of experience, among other factors.
Position Highlights:
  • Position: Food Service Assistant I
  • Location: Arlington Heights, IL
  • Full time, 40 weekly hours
  • Hours: M-F, Sat & Sun 6am-2:30pm, 6:30am-3pm, 6:45am-3:15pm, 7am-3:30pm
  • Required Travel: None

What you will do:
  • Examines filled trays or orders for completeness and accuracy.
  • Washes dishes and cleans work area, tables, cabinets and ovens.
  • Sets up stations with entrées, soups, salads, breads, condiments, other food products/ utensils.
  • Completes all required side-work, including deep-cleaning assignments.
  • May be held accountable to proper cash-handling procedures.
  • Assists other team members as needed. Provides courteous service and is cordial to all team members and guests.
  • Reports all accidents and injuries in a timely manner. Participates in regular safety meetings, safety training and hazard assessments.
  • Attends all allergy and foodborne illness in-service training. Attends training programs (classroom and virtual) as designated.
  • May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
  • Complies with all Department HACCP policies and procedures and all company safety and risk management policies and procedures. Adheres to all NCH policies, procedures and standards.

What you will need:
  • Education: High School diploma, GED, or equivalent experience preferred.
  • Experience: Prior kitchen experience and knowledge of diets is preferred.
  • Unique or Preferred Skills: Must be able to communicate clearly with managers, kitchen and dining room personnel. The ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing. The ability to speak and read English.

Benefits (For full time or part time positions):
  • Premium pay such as shift, on call, holiday and more based on an employee's job (For eligible positions)
  • Incentive pay for select positions
  • Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
  • Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
  • Various Medical, Dental, Pet and Vision options
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Free Parking
  • Wellness Program Savings Plan
  • Health Savings Account Options
  • Retirement Options with Company Match
  • Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
  • Community Involvement Opportunities

Endeavor Health is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system committed to providing access to quality, vibrant, community-connected care, serving an area of more than 4.2 million residents across six northeast Illinois counties. Our more than 25,000 team members and more than 6,000 physicians aim to deliver transformative patient experiences and expert care close to home across more than 300 ambulatory locations and eight acute care hospitals - Edward (Naperville), Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenbrook (Glenview), Highland Park, Northwest Community (Arlington Heights) Skokie and Swedish (Chicago) - all recognized as Magnet hospitals for nursing excellence. For more information, visit www.endeavorhealth.org.
When you work for Endeavor Health, you will be part of an organization that encourages its employees to achieve career goals and maximize their professional potential.
Please explore our website (www.endeavorhealth.org) to better understand how Endeavor Health delivers on its mission to "help everyone in our communities be their best".
Endeavor Health is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please refer to the main career page for more information.
At Endeavor Health, we are united by a shared commitment to working together to create a culture of connection and belonging-each of us bringing different skills and experiences as we deliver safe, seamless, and personal care. Every person, every time. We are committed to fostering an environment where all team members can be their best, learn, and pursue excellence together.
EOE: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets, VEVRRA Federal Contractor.

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