Server (Full-Time)

Goodwin Living is proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace in the greater Washington, D.C. region by The Washington Post every year since 2019 — and now nationally by USA Today. Since 2022, we’ve also been annually recognized as one of the top 100 employers for interns by the Top Virginia Employers for Intern Awards. These honors are based entirely on feedback from our team members, gathered through an annual third-party survey. Here’s what they say makes us stand out:

• Embracing Diversity: Our strength is in our diverse team from over 65 countries, fostering an inclusive and vibrant culture that values every voice. 
• Growth and Opportunities: We bolster personal and professional development, offering myriad opportunities, from on-the-job training to mentorship programs and financial support, to help you reach your full potential. 
• Valuing Our Team Members: By prioritizing team member satisfaction, we create a fulfilling work environment with competitive benefits, work-life balance, and recognition programs, ensuring our team feels appreciated and valued. 

Position is primarily responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and availability of equipment, supplies, and beverages and food items in dining room.  Position is also responsible for assisting residents with dining services and needs.

You should have weekend and holiday availability. There will roughly be 32-35 hours of work weekly.

Pay is $20.00/hr

• Serving:

All guests are served according to established protocol for serving and removing plates, glasses, and utensils. 

• Table Settings:

Tables are set according to established protocol.  Tables are reset for the next meal prior to the end of shift.    

• Diets:

Servers understand the importance of responding to dietary restrictions.  Cooking staff is consulted regarding the inclusion of  ingredients as needed.  Diners are offered alternative suggestions when the menu choices do not meet dietary restrictions.

• Meal Delivery:

All persons served receive items ordered.  If the item is not available, the diner is offered an alternative.

• Teamwork:

Treats all persons with respect and is a “team player” within the department and the organization. Prioritizes assignments and  takes the initiative to attend to responsibilities.

• Customer Service:

Works closely with all staff to uphold and further the mission, vision, and values of GL. Consistently demonstrates knowledge and  commitment to the GL customer services CARES platform. Presents self in a positive, professional manner to customers. Shows  consideration and understanding of the different cultures and needs of customers.

• Approachability:  

Is easy to approach and talk to. Spends the extra effort to put others at ease. Can be warm, pleasant, and gracious; is sensitive to  and patient with the interpersonal anxieties of others. Builds rapport well. Is a good listener. Is an early knower, getting informal  and incomplete information in time to do something about it.

• Time Management:

Uses his/her time effectively and efficiently.  Values time.  Concentrates his/her efforts on the more important priorities.  Gets more  done in less time than others.  Can attend to a broader range of activities.

• Composure:

Is cool under pressure.  Does not become defensive or irritated when times are tough.  Is considered mature.  Can be counted on  to hold things together during tough times.  Can handle stress.  Is not knocked off balance by the unexpected.  Doesn't show  frustration when resisted or blocked.  Is a settling influence in a crisis.

• Integrity and Trust:

Is widely trusted.  Is seen as a direct, truthful individual.  Can present the unvarnished truth in an appropriate and helpful manner.   Keeps confidences.  Admits mistakes.  Doesn't misrepresent him/herself for personal gain.

• Peer Relations:

Can quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all.  Can represent his/her own interests and yet be fair to  other groups.  Can solve problems with peers with a minimum of noise.  Is seen as a team player and is cooperative.  Easily gains  trust and support of peers.  Encourages collaboration.  Can be candid with peers.

• Initiative:

Shows an interest in growing and developing into other positions within Dining Services through cross-training. Is able to work  alone and accomplish tasks/goals with little or no supervision and without sacrificing the quality of service or care to the residents.  Has the ability to take on more than others in the same position.

• Previous food service experience preferred.
• Excellent customer services skills required.
• Must be able to work 4-5 shifts per week, including weekends and holidays.
• Must have ability to effectively communicate in English, including reading and writing.
• Must demonstrate respect when interacting with others, including co-workers, customers and visitors.
• Must be able to work as a team player.

At Goodwin Living, we can all find work with purpose! As a nonprofit senior living and healthcare organization based in Northern Virginia, we are driven by our mission: to support, honor and uplift the lives of older adults and those who care for them. Our commitment to our team members is written directly into that statement. We create an enriching and supportive work environment that has inspired our team members to vote us into the Washington Post Top Workplace rankings since 2019, and they made us #3 in 2025!