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Food Services Associate Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

SSA Group

Food Service - Associate

Providence, RI · On-site

$16/hr

Roger Williams Zoo Food Service Associate Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain ...

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Food Services Associate information

See Rhode Island salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do food services associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for food services associate in Rhode Island is $15.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food services associate?

Food Services Associates are professionals who assist in the preparation, serving, and clean-up of meals in various establishments such as hospitals, schools, restaurants, and cafeterias. Their responsibilities often include taking food orders, serving meals to customers or patients, maintaining cleanliness in dining and kitchen areas, and ensuring food safety standards are met. They play a crucial role in providing excellent customer service and supporting the overall operation of the food service environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food services associate?

To thrive as a Food Services Associate, you need basic food handling knowledge, attention to cleanliness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food safety certifications (such as ServSafe), and kitchen equipment is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and customer service skills help you succeed in a fast-paced environment. These abilities ensure safe food preparation, positive customer experiences, and efficient service operations.

What are some common challenges faced by food services associates when working during peak meal times?

Food Services Associates often encounter high-pressure situations during peak meal times, such as lunch and dinner rushes. Managing large volumes of orders while maintaining accuracy and ensuring food safety can be challenging. Effective communication with kitchen staff and staying organized are essential to prevent delays or mistakes. Adapting to fast-paced environments and handling customer inquiries with professionalism are also important skills for success in this role.

What is the difference between Food Services Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood Services AssociateFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, schoolsRestaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, schools
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare, education, and hospitality sectorsWidely used across food service establishments
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, serving, cleaning, customer serviceServing food, cleaning, basic food prep

The Food Services Associate and Food Service Worker roles are similar in credentials, work environment, and industry usage. Both positions involve food handling, customer service, and cleaning tasks in various food service settings. The main difference often lies in specific job duties or employer terminology, but they are generally interchangeable in many establishments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Services jobs in Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Food Services jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Food Services Associate jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Food Services Associate job openings:

Food Services Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Services Associate job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,129 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Food Service Associate/Patient Services

Kent Hospital

Warwick, RI • On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Food & Nutrition management team, the Food Service Associate is responsible to serve and delivery food and nutritional products to our patients, and customers in a manner demonstrating exemplary customer service skill. The Food Service Associate encompasses multiple job assignments within the Food & Nutrition Department including: assemblers, hostess, cashiers, dining room aid, pots cleaner and cleaning aid.

Duties and Responsibilities:  - Encompasses job assignments within the kitchen, Blue Wave Cafeteria, and Concourse Caf.

Prepare meal trays, serve and/or deliver food to patients and customers.

Maintain an organized, clean and sanitary work area at all times.

Provide exceptional customer service at all times.

Adhere to daily job assignment duties, cleaning assignments, and scheduled hours as posted on the schedule.

Ensure proper care and treatment of all technology when it is assigned to you.

Adhere to all policies and procedures within department and outside department.

Adhere to dress code, which includes cleanliness, grooming, and neatness.

Requirements:

A high school diploma or equivalent with six months job-related experience and/or equivalent is preferred but not required.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to keep accurate records.

Must be proficient in the English language.

Additional Information:
Care New England Health System (CNE) and its member institutions, Butler Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, VNA of Care New England, Integra, The Providence Center, and Care New England Medical Group, and our Wellness Center, are trusted organizations fueling the latest advances in medical research, attracting top specialty-trained doctors, and honing renowned services and innovative programs to engage in the important discussions people need to have about their health.

EEOC Statement: Care New England is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Ethics Statement: Employee conducts himself/herself consistent with the ethical standards of the organization including, but not limited to hospital policy, mission, vision, and values.

Americans with Disability Act Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled must be able to perform the essential job-specific functions either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation, to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.
 

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