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Patient Dining Associate Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE

Louisville, KY · On-site

$18/hr

Culinary Services Group is hiring immediately for a full time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE position. * Location : Central State Hospital - 10510 LaGrange Road, Louisville, KY 40223. * Schedule ...

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Patient Dining Associate information

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How much do patient dining associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient dining associate in Kentucky is $16.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $17.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the easiest healthcare job to get into?

A patient dining associate is generally an entry-level healthcare role that requires minimal formal education and training, often involving on-the-job instruction. These positions typically focus on assisting patients with meals and may require basic communication skills and a compassionate attitude, making them accessible for many job seekers entering healthcare.

What job pays you to eat food?

A Patient Dining Associate is a job where employees are responsible for delivering and sometimes tasting meals to ensure quality in a healthcare setting. While they do handle food, they are not paid specifically to eat but to serve and assist with patient meals, often requiring knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.

What are Patient Dining Associates?

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.

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 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.

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.

Do you wear scrubs as a dietary aide?

Patient Dining Associates typically wear scrubs or uniforms appropriate for a healthcare environment to maintain hygiene and professionalism. The specific attire may vary by facility, but scrubs are common for staff working in patient care areas. Proper attire helps ensure cleanliness and safety in food service within healthcare settings.

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

Patient dining associates are responsible for delivering meals to patients, ensuring orders are accurate and timely, and maintaining cleanliness in dining areas. Their attentive service and adherence to dietary restrictions contribute to positive patient experiences and satisfaction.
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Patient Dining Associate jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Patient Dining Associate job openings:
Patient Dining Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Dining Associate job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,244 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE

Compass Group

Louisville, KY • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,083 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 481 rated business services

Job description

Culinary Services Group is hiring immediately for a full time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE position.
  • Location: Central State Hospital - 10510 LaGrange Road, Louisville, KY 40223.
  • Schedule: Full time schedule. 6:00 am to 6:30 pm, rotating weekends. Days may vary. Further details upon interview.
  • Requirement: 1 year of prior food service experience required.
  • Pay Range: $16.00 per hour to $18.00 per hour

Culinary Services Group (CSG) is a top 50, fast-growing food service management company serving senior care, hospital, and behavioral health communities. We're rooted in the belief that empowering our teams leads to exceptional service and better outcomes for those we serve. At CSG, you'll be part of a collaborative culture built on integrity, where your contributions are valued and growth, development, and impact are part of every role.
Job Summary
Patient Dining Associates work on assigned units in a healthcare facility, and 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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Help patients understand their menu selections and work with nursing to ensure sure their orders comply with their nutritional requirements or restrictions.
  • Work with the caregivers and culinary team to determine menu alternatives for patients with food allergies and sensitivities; cultural, ethnic and religious preferences; or when a patient inquires about additional selections.
  • Manage tray tickets and assemble meals according to each patient's menu selection in a timely and accurate manner. Retrieve trays from patient rooms at assigned times.
  • Complies with regulator agency standards, including federal, state and JCAHO. Adhere to facility confidentiality and the patient's rights policy as outlined in the facility's Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) policies and procedures.
  • Follows Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines when handling food, cleaning work stations and breaking down patient tray line.
  • Follows facility and department infection control policies and procedures.
  • Assist dietitians, such as helping monitor patients who cannot eat food through their mouth, are on liquid diets or have a specific calorie count to manage.
  • Communicate problems or concerns with patients to appropriate personnel in a timely manner, following department procedures.
  • Complete all daily, weekly or monthly reports as outlined in the Morrison Healthcare policies and procedures.
  • Comply with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations, as well as department sanitation procedures.
  • Performs other duties assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Ability to read, write and interpret documents in English.
  • Basic computer and mathematical skills.
  • Must be able to occasionally lift or move up to 100 pounds, as well as maneuver and push food delivery carts.

BENEFITS FOR OUR TEAM MEMBERS
  • Full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to team members: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
  • Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to team members: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs

Team Members may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_CCL.pdf
Culinary Services Group (CSG) is an equal opportunity employer. At CSG, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Team Members fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply.

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