Dietary Aide

Position Summary

The Dietary Aide assists with meal preparation, service, and clean-up to ensure residents receive nutritious, safe, and enjoyable dining experiences. This role contributes to resident satisfaction by supporting their dietary needs in a warm, respectful, and homelike environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with food preparation and meal service under the supervision of the Dietary Manager.

• Serve meals and beverages to residents in a courteous and timely manner.

• Ensure residents receive meals consistent with physician orders and dietary restrictions.

• Set up dining areas and deliver meals to residents as needed.

• Clean and sanitize kitchen, dining areas, and equipment according to facility and state guidelines.

• Wash dishes, utensils, and cooking equipment; follow safe food-handling procedures.

• Store food properly and monitor stock levels.

• Support special events and holiday meals as requested.

• Follow all infection control, sanitation, and safety standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Prior experience in food service, healthcare dietary, or hospitality is a plus but not required.

• Knowledge of basic food handling and sanitation practices (training provided).

• Strong teamwork, reliability, and customer service skills.

• Ability to stand for long periods, lift up to 25 lbs., and work in a fast-paced environment.

Working Conditions

Works in well-lighted/ventilated areas. Atmosphere is warm for cooking.

Moves intermittently during working hours. Is subject to frequent interruptions.

Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.

Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, etc. Communicates with the medical staff, nursing staff, and other department supervisors.

Works beyond normal duty hours, on weekends, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.

ls subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.). Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.

Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the work day, as well as reactions from dust, disinfectants,

tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.

Is subject to sudden temperature changes when entering refrigerator. May be exposed to heat/cold temperatures in kitchen/storage area.

Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses. Maintains a liaison with other department directors to adequately plan for food services/activities.

May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Education

Must possess, as a minimum, an 8111 grade education.

Experience

None. On-the-job training provided.
 
Specific Requirements
 

Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the  general public.

Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.

Must maintain the care and use of supplies, equipment, the appearance of work areas, and perform regular inspections  of  food service  areas for sanitation, order, safety and proper performance of assigned duties.

Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level

they are currently functioning.

Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing food practices. Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Physical and Sensory Requirements
(With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)
 

Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner. Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

Must possess sight/hearing senses, or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with the residents, personnel, and support agencies.

Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility, which include a medical and physical examination. Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility.

Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and  be able to push,  pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.

May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.

Salary : $12 - $14