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Student Dining Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patient Dining Associate

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Patient Dining Associate, Catering, Food Service, Server . Benefits: Caring For Your Family and ... Education Student Debt Pay Down - 10,000 Reimbursement for certifications and free access to ...

Sentara Leigh Hospital is hiring a Patient Dining Associate in the Food Services Department This is ... Education Student Debt Pay Down - $10,000 Reimbursement for certifications and free access to ...

Patient Dining Associate

Newtown, VA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Sentara Leigh Hospital is hiring a Patient Dining Associate in the Food Services Department This is ... Education Student Debt Pay Down - 10,000 Reimbursement for certifications and free access to ...

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Student Dining Associate information

See salary details

$27K

$141.2K

$310.5K

How much do student dining associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for student dining associate in the United States is $141,209.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $212,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Student Dining Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Student Dining Associate, you need basic food handling knowledge, customer service skills, and the ability to follow safety and sanitation guidelines, often requiring completion of food safety training. Familiarity with point-of-sale systems, dishwashers, and kitchen equipment is typically expected. Strong teamwork, reliability, and communication skills help you interact effectively with coworkers and customers. These capabilities ensure efficient operations, high-quality service, and a safe dining environment.

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

AspectStudent Dining AssociateFood Service Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; no formal certification neededHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, college dining hallsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, universitiesFood service establishments, hospitality industry
Common TasksServing food, cleaning dining areas, assisting studentsPreparing food, serving customers, cleaning workstations

Both roles involve food service in institutional settings, but Student Dining Associates typically work in school environments assisting students and maintaining dining areas, while Food Service Workers often work in broader food establishments with more food preparation responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by Student Dining Associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Student Dining Associates often encounter challenges such as managing high-volume meal times, multitasking between food preparation and serving, and maintaining cleanliness under time constraints. Effective time management and clear communication with team members are essential to ensure smooth operations. Many dining facilities provide on-the-job training and encourage teamwork, making it easier to adapt and succeed even during busy shifts. Seeking feedback and being open to learning can also help you grow and handle these challenges more confidently.

What are Student Dining Associates?

Student Dining Associates are students who work part-time in campus dining facilities, assisting with tasks such as food preparation, serving, cashiering, and maintaining cleanliness in dining areas. They help ensure that the dining operations run smoothly and provide quality service to fellow students and staff. This role often offers flexible hours to accommodate students' class schedules and provides valuable work experience in customer service and teamwork.
What cities are hiring for Student Dining Associate jobs? Cities with the most Student Dining Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Student Dining jobs? The most popular types of Student Dining jobs are:
What states have the most Student Dining Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Student Dining Associate jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Student Dining Associate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Student Dining Associate jobs are:
Infographic showing various Student Dining Associate job openings in the United States 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 $141,209 per year, or $67.9 per hour.
Patient Dining Associate

Patient Dining Associate

Sentara

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Sentara Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 391 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

444th of 881 rated healthcare providers


Job description

City/State

Virginia Beach, VA

Work Shift

Rotating

Overview:

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital is hiring a Full-time, Rotating Shift, Patient Dining Associate.
Work Full-time, Rotating 12-hour shifts, and rotating weekends. (Up to 1,500 Sign-on Bonus for qualified candidates) Responsible for patient meal service food on assigned units. Communicates patient food issues/concerns and needs to Food & Nutrition Services, and interacts with Nursing in regards to patient nutrition needs or requirements. Assist dietitian with monitoring of patients on NPO, clear liquid and full liquid diets and records food intake for patients on intake analysis. React accurately and effectively to all changes to ensure efficient timing of services and accuracy of physician's ordered modified diets. Familiar with dietary restrictions on special, modified diets to ensure optimal patient care and satisfaction. Responsible for patient satisfaction on assigned units.
Experience in Lieu of degree/diploma will be accepted.
Certified Food Service Handler's Card (as required by local Health Department).
The Food Handler Certification is only required in the following facilities: SNGH, SLH, SOH, SCH and SWRMC Education
  • High School Grad or Equivalent (Preferred)
Certification/Licensure
  • Food Handlers Card - Certification - Food Service Certification (as required by local Health Department).
Experience
  • Previous Customer Service Experience (Preferred)
  • Experience in Lieu of degree/diploma will be accepted.
Keywords: Patient Dining Associate, Catering, Food Service, Server

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Benefits: Caring For Your Family and Your Career

Medical, Dental, Vision plans
Adoption, Fertility and Surrogacy Reimbursement up to 10,000
Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave
Emergency Backup Care
Long-Term, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans
Life Insurance
401k/403B with Employer Match
Tuition Assistance - 5,250/year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education
Student Debt Pay Down - 10,000
Reimbursement for certifications and free access to complete CEUs and professional development
Pet Insurance
Legal Resources Plan
Colleagues may have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if established system and employee eligibility criteria is met

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, located in Virginia Beach, VA, is home to the region's only Level III Trauma Center. Our 273-bed facility has a long history of commitment to our communities of Virginia Beach, Eastern Shore, and Northeastern North Carolina, offering specialized tertiary services as well as many advanced clinical services. We are located just 15 minutes from VA Beach Town Center and just a few minutes to the Oceanfront.

As a recognized accredited Primary Stroke Center, and Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, our hospital specializes in heart, vascular, neuroscience, neurosurgery, orthopedics and spine care, cancer care, advanced imaging, and behavioral health.

Sentara Health is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself on the diversity and inclusiveness of its close to an almost 30,000-member workforce. Diversity, inclusion, and belonging is a guiding principle of the organization to ensure its workforce reflects the communities it serves.


In support of our mission "to improve health every day," this is a tobacco-free environment.

For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following states:

Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.


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