Cafeteria Worker - Dietary
Company : Prime Healthcare Services
Location : Kankakee, IL, 60901
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 9 January 2026
Overview
Department: Dietary
Schedule: Full-Time - Days
Facility: St. Mary’s Hospital- Kankakee
Location: Kankakee , IL 60901
Responsibilities
Provides optimal customer service, following all safe food handling procedures to visitors, employees and medical staff.
Qualifications
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING
1. High School Diploma or Equivalent preferred
County Specific requirement.
1. County Specific Food Handlers certification required upon hire and maintained current.
Pay Transparency
St. Mary's Hospital - Kankakee offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that provides employees the flexibility to tailor benefits according to their individual needs. Our Total Rewards package includes, but is not limited to, paid time off, a 401K retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, and many more voluntary benefit options. A reasonable compensation estimate for this role, which includes estimated wages, benefits, and other forms of compensation, is $16.00 to $23.17. The exact starting compensation to be offered will be determined at the time of selecting an applicant for hire, in which a wide range of factors will be considered, including but not limited to, skillset, years of applicable experience, education, credentials and licensure.
The company is dedicated to empowering its staff with a comprehensive, competitive benefits package, allowing them the freedom to customize their benefits to fit their unique needs. Our abundant resources, programs, and voluntary options serve as a foundation for individual growth and well-being. Learn more here: https://www.primehealthcare.com/benefitsthatmattermost/
Employment Status
Full TimeShift
DaysEqual Employment Opportunity
Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, working as a cafeteria worker in Kankakee hospitals like St. Mary's typically requires a current county-specific food handlers certification. This ensures compliance with local health regulations and guarantees safe food preparation practices within dietary departments.
Kankakee offers moderate competition for cafeteria worker roles, especially in healthcare settings. Local demand remains steady due to hospital dietary needs, but candidates with certifications and customer service skills have an advantage securing positions at facilities like Prime Healthcare Services.
Expect to handle food prep, serve meals following strict safety protocols, and assist visitors and staff courteously. The role involves maintaining cleanliness and adhering to dietary department standards, ensuring an optimal dining experience within a hospital cafeteria environment.
Progression typically involves gaining experience in food service, obtaining certifications, and demonstrating leadership abilities. Pursuing additional training in food safety and management can open opportunities to oversee cafeteria operations or move into supervisory roles within healthcare food services.
Absolutely, Prime Healthcare Services offers a flexible benefits package for cafeteria staff, including options like paid time off, 401k plans, and medical coverage. Employees can customize their benefits to suit personal needs, supporting their overall well-being and growth.
Hospital dietary positions demand strict adherence to food safety and handling standards due to vulnerable populations. Unlike school cafeterias, these roles involve servicing medical staff and patients, requiring additional certifications and a focus on sanitation and dietary regulations.
Cafeteria workers in Kankakee hospitals usually earn between $16.00 and $23.17 per hour, depending on experience and certifications. This range reflects competitive compensation aligned with local cost of living and the specialized nature of dietary work in medical facilities.
Yes, cafeteria workers must navigate strict hygiene protocols and accommodate dietary restrictions for patients. The environment requires vigilance for cross-contamination risks and delivering consistent service during busy daytime shifts in a healthcare setting.
Strong customer service, attention to detail in food safety, and the ability to work efficiently in fast-paced hospital cafeterias distinguish top performers. Certification compliance and teamwork within dietary staff also play critical roles in delivering high-quality service.
Demand remains steady in Kankakee’s healthcare sector for cafeteria helpers, fueled by ongoing hospital operations and patient care needs. Those with updated food handler certifications and flexibility for daytime shifts often find favorable hiring prospects.