Dietary Aide

Job Title: Dietary Aide

Department: Dietary

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Food Service Director

Position Summary:

In keeping with our organization’s goal of improving the lives of the Residents we serve; the Dietary Aide is responsible for providing superior customer service to Residents and employees. The Dietary Aide will help to assure that the dietary department is maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary manner by assisting in all dietary functions as directed and in accordance with established dietary policies and procedures. The Dietary Aide will assist in the preparation of food to assure the quality of nutritional services are provided.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Assist in the preparation of meals and beverages, snacks, salads, and desserts as directed.
• Participate in the food tray line and prepare trays according to dietary orders in an efficient manner to meet scheduled meal and snack times.
• Assist with loading food carts and serving meals to Residents and staff.
• Bag and store food items as directed.
• Meal prep for next meal, including preparation of condiments, glasses, silverware, cups.
• Bus and clean tables after mealtime throughout the facility.
• Scrape, wash, and rack unclean dishes and utensils.
• Assist in the operation of the dishwashing machine, scraping plates and loading dishes, washing the can opener, etc.
• Sort and stack clean dishes and inspect for cleanliness prior to storing.
• Place clean dishes, utensils and cutlery in their proper storage place.
• Participate in table setup which includes but not limited to tablecloth, silverware, dishware and filling cups with water.
• Discard waste/trash into proper containers in accordance with established sanitation procedures and guidelines.
• Assure that work area is clean and free of hazardous conditions such as spills, excess carts, and etc.
• Participate in cleaning the kitchen as assigned, including floors, refrigerators, dishes, tables, walls, meal carts, and equipment.
• Keep logs up to date, including cleaning, temperature, sanitation logs as needed.
• Use cleaning solutions and chemicals appropriately and safely.
• Assist with labeling and dating of items in the kitchen as appropriate and removing items upon expiration date.
• Assist with proper food storage according to state and federal regulations.
• Assure that equipment, tools and supplies are properly stored at all times.
• Report all equipment malfunctions and breakdowns to the supervisor and keep the supervisor informed of supply needs.
• Communicates and interacts effectively and tactfully with Residents, visitors, families, peers and supervisors.
• Reports all hazardous conditions, damaged equipment and supply issues to the supervisor.
• Communicates and interacts effectively and tactfully with Residents, visitors, families, peers and supervisors.
• Attend staff meetings and in-services as requested. Attends in-service and education programs and attends continuing education required for maintenance of professional certification or licensure.
• Answers and respond to call lights promptly and courteously when working in resident care areas
• Reports all resident concerns to the appropriate department head.
• Perform job duties while operating in compliance with federal and state laws/regulations, and facility policies and procedures.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Perform other tasks as required.
• Ability to work with residents who may have cognitive, behavioral, or physical impairments.
• Ability to work in potentially stressful or emergency situations.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities. However, all employees are expected to lead by example, demonstrate professionalism, support their supervisors and leadership team, and contribute positively to the success of the team and organization.

Required/Desired Qualifications:

Education, Training, and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• ServSafe Certification preferred
• One year of experience as a Dietary Aide preferred

Specific skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Able to read, write, and follow written and oral instructions, including some calculations.
• Basic knowledge of attractive food service, sanitation, and safety.

Other Special Requirements:

• Ability to work weekends to accommodate the needs of the residents.
• Tolerate potential exposure to blood, body tissues, and fluids, with occasional exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases.
• Manual dexterity required to operate modern office & kitchen equipment.