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Patient Dining Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Ohio Health

$17 - $21.50/hr

They are part of the caregiving team, responsible for patient safety and satisfaction goals by ... associates to meet or exceed preset service standards. 15% Cleaning and stocking work stations ...

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Patient Dining Associate information

See Illinois salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do patient dining associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient dining associate in Illinois is $18.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patient dining associate?

Patient Dining Associates are healthcare support professionals responsible for ensuring that patients receive appropriate meals during their hospital stay. They work closely with patients to take meal orders, accommodate dietary restrictions, deliver trays, and help resolve any food service issues. Their role is essential for patient satisfaction and nutritional care, as they act as a liaison between patients, dietary staff, and healthcare providers. Patient Dining Associates must be attentive, compassionate, and knowledgeable about food safety and hospital protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patient dining associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patient Dining Associate, you need a basic knowledge of nutrition, food safety, and dietary restrictions, often backed by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with food service equipment, hospital meal tracking systems, and compliance with health regulations is typically required. Excellent customer service, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you interact effectively with patients and healthcare staff. These abilities are vital to ensure patients receive safe, nutritious meals that meet their medical needs and enhance overall satisfaction.

How does a patient dining associate collaborate with clinical staff to meet patients’ dietary needs?

Patient Dining Associates work closely with nurses and dietitians to ensure that meals align with each patient's nutritional requirements and medical restrictions. They communicate regularly with clinical staff to receive updates on patients’ diets, allergies, or changes in medical status. This collaboration helps provide safe, tailored meal service and allows the associate to address any patient concerns or requests efficiently. Good communication and teamwork are essential in this role to support patient health and satisfaction.

What is the difference between Patient Dining Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectPatient Dining AssociateFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety training
Work EnvironmentHospitals, healthcare facilities, patient care areasRestaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, various food service settings
Job FocusAssisting patients with meals, ensuring dietary needs are metPreparing, serving, and cleaning up food in food service settings

The main difference between a Patient Dining Associate and a Food Service Worker lies in their work environment and focus. Patient Dining Associates specifically serve and assist patients in healthcare settings, ensuring dietary restrictions are followed. Food Service Workers generally work in broader food service environments like restaurants or cafeterias, focusing on food preparation and service. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in their daily responsibilities and patient interaction.

What tasks are patient dining associates responsible for that lead to overall patient satisfaction?

Patient dining associates are responsible for delivering and serving meals to patients, ensuring dietary restrictions are followed, and maintaining cleanliness in dining areas. Their attentive service and timely delivery contribute to patient comfort and satisfaction. Good communication skills and adherence to safety protocols are essential in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Dining jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Patient Dining jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Patient Dining Associate jobs in Illinois?

For Patient Dining Associate jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Patient Dining Associate jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Patient Dining Associate jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Patient Dining Associate jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Patient Dining Associate job openings:

Patient Dining Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Dining Associate job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,206 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Patient Dining Associate

Ohio Health

On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

OhioHealth rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 341 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

414th of 891 rated healthcare providers

Job description

We are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could use an expert guide. We work hard, care deeply and reach further to help people uncover their own power to be healthy. We inspire hope. We learn, grow, and achieve more - in our careers and in our communities.

Job Description Summary:

Responsible for working at an OhioHealth care site to provide services that include helping patients make menu selections, assemble, deliver and pick-up their meal trays. They are part of the caregiving team, responsible for patient safety and satisfaction goals by making sure meals are accurate and delivered at the right time and temperature.

Responsibilities And Duties:

35%
Responsible for patient satisfaction to include completing patient meal orders, assembling, distributing and retrieval of meal trays in a timely manner. Maintains clear and accurate communications at all times with dietitians, nursing and all OhioHealth associates.
30%
Professionally interacts with patients, visitors and associates to meet or exceed preset service standards.
15%
Cleaning and stocking work stations, pods, kitchen areas as assigned.
10%
Using the computer software systems in department/hospital, enter preferences, print reports, labels for nourishments, and diet order change sheets.
10%
Prepares and delivers nourishments, floor stocks, late trays and records temperatures of unit refrigerators. May be assigned to assist in other areas of the department as needed.
As a High Reliability Organization (HRO), responsibilities require focus on safety, quality and efficiency in performing job duties.
The job profile provides an overview of responsibilities and duties and is not intended to be an exhaustive list and is subject to change at any time

Minimum Qualifications:

No Degree or Diploma

Additional Job Description:

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE


Years of Experience: 6 months preferred
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
35%
Responsible for patient satisfaction to include; completing patient meal orders, assembling, distributing and retrieval of meal trays in a timely manner. Maintains clear and accurate communications at all times with dietitians, nursing and all OhioHealth associates.
30%
Professionally interacts with patients, visitors and associates to meet or exceed preset service standards.
15%

Cleaning and stocking work stations, pods, kitchen areas as assigned.

10%
Using the computer software systems in department/hospital, enter preferences, print reports, labels for nourishments, and diet order change sheets.
10%
Prepares and delivers nourishments, floor stocks, late trays and records temperatures of unit refrigerators. May be assigned to assist in other areas of the department as needed.

Work Shift:

Variable

Scheduled Weekly Hours :

40

Department

Nutrition Services

Join us!
... if your passion is to work in a caring environment
... if you believe that learning is a life-long process
... if you strive for excellence and want to be among the best in the healthcare industry

Equal Employment Opportunity

OhioHealth is an equal opportunity employer and fully supports and maintains compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations. OhioHealth does not discriminate against associates or applicants because of race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, ancestry, national origin, veteran status, military status, pregnancy, disability, marital status, familial status, or other characteristics protected by law. Equal employment is extended to all person in all aspects of the associate-employer relationship including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, reduction in staff, termination, assignment of benefits, and any other term or condition of employment 

What OhioHealth employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About OhioHealth

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

OhioHealth is a not-for-profit, faith-based health system based in Columbus, Ohio, US. Operating since 1981, it is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in its area of operation. OhioHealth's business is grounded at the union of the healthcare and medical industry. The organization provides a full range of healthcare services from acute hospital care to rehabilitative and long-term care, including medical research and development.

Industry

Hospitals and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, OH, US

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