Culinary Operations Aide- DSH

Welcome to Annandale Village

At Annandale Village, we believe every individual deserves the opportunity to live a life filled with dignity, purpose, and happiness. For more than 55 years, Annandale Village has provided progressive life assistance to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to maximize their abilities and maintain their independence.

Our employees are the heart of everything we do. Whether supporting Villagers directly or behind the scenes, every role contributes to creating a community where individuals are respected, valued, and encouraged to thrive.

If you're looking for more than a job—if you're looking for meaningful work with purpose—we invite you to become part of the Annandale Village team.

Position Summary

The Culinary Services Department is committed to providing safe, nutritious, high-quality meals that promote health, dignity, and an exceptional dining experience for every Villager.

The Culinary Operations Aide – Skilled Nursing supports meal preparation, tray assembly, food service, and kitchen operations for Villagers receiving skilled nursing services. This position plays a critical role in ensuring meals are prepared and served accurately while meeting therapeutic diet requirements, modified texture standards, food safety regulations, and the individualized nutritional needs of the Villagers we serve.

What You'll Do

Support Meal Preparation & Service

• Assist with preparing, portioning, assembling, and serving meals in accordance with approved menus, therapeutic diet requirements, modified texture standards, and portion guidelines. 
• Ensure meals are delivered accurately, safely, and on schedule while maintaining food quality and presentation. 
• Support meal service for special events and organizational functions as assigned. 

Maintain Kitchen Excellence

• Maintain clean, organized, and inspection-ready kitchens, tray lines, storage areas, and satellite kitchens in accordance with health department regulations and Annandale Village standards. 
• Assist with stocking, storing, rotating, and labeling food and supplies using proper food handling procedures. 
• Support waste reduction efforts through proper food storage, labeling, and inventory practices. 

Promote Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, infection prevention, allergen management, and regulatory compliance. 
• Follow therapeutic diet orders and modified texture requirements with accuracy and attention to detail. 
• Complete required cleaning assignments and operational documentation accurately and on time. 
• Become proficient with PointClickCare and the Nutrition Management System to support meal service and dietary documentation. 

Support the Care Team

• Collaborate professionally with nursing, dietary, and interdisciplinary team members to support Villagers' nutritional needs. (This reflects the healthcare-specific expectation from the old JD.) 
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and respect in every interaction. 
• Deliver courteous, compassionate service that supports a positive dining experience for Villagers, families, visitors, and fellow employees. 
• Support Annandale Village's mission and perform other duties as assigned. 

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in long-term care, healthcare, senior living, or institutional food service. 
• Ability to prepare, portion, and serve meals while following written and verbal instructions. 
• Knowledge of therapeutic diets, modified texture diets, food safety, sanitation, infection prevention, and regulatory compliance. 
• Ability to communicate professionally with nursing staff and other interdisciplinary team members. 
• ServSafe Certification or the ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire. (I recommend shortening the previous 90-day requirement to match the rest of the Culinary Department.) 
• Ability to become proficient with PointClickCare and Annandale Village's Nutrition Management System. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with therapeutic diets and modified texture diets in a skilled nursing or healthcare setting. 
• Experience supporting meal service in a regulated healthcare environment. 

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday. 
• Frequently bend, reach, lift, push, and pull. 
• Lift up to 50 pounds and safely operate kitchen equipment. 
• Work safely in varying kitchen temperatures. 

Why Join Annandale Village?

When you join Annandale Village, you become part of a mission-driven organization that believes our employees are our greatest strength. We are committed to investing in our team members by providing opportunities for professional growth, a collaborative work environment, and comprehensive benefits that support you personally and professionally.

Eligible employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Competitive Compensation 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 
• Company-Paid Life Insurance 
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability 
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match 
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Professional Development and Career Growth Opportunities 
• Employee Recognition Programs 
• Wellness Initiatives 
• Opportunities for Advancement 

Happiness Works Here

At Annandale Village, Happiness Works Here is more than a slogan—it's the culture we've built.

We believe that when employees feel supported, valued, and connected to a meaningful mission, they do their best work. And when our employees thrive, so do our Villagers.

Whether you're preparing meals, providing care, maintaining our campus, or supporting your team, your work helps create a community where dignity, purpose, and happiness come together every day.

Join our team and discover why Happiness Works Here.