Dietary Aide

Job Summary

The Dietary Aide is responsible for assisting with the daily operations of the hospital kitchen and dietary department. Duties include food preparation, meal assembly and service, dishwashing, cleaning and sanitation, stocking supplies, and assisting with patient and cafeteria meals. The Dietary Aide supports the delivery of safe, sanitary, and appealing meals to patients, staff, and visitors while following hospital policies, dietary guidelines, and food safety regulations.

Essential Job Functions

· Assist with preparing food items, including washing, cutting, portioning, and assembling ingredients according to established recipes and instructions.

· Prepare and assemble patient meals, bistro meals, snacks, and special food items as directed.

· Follow patient diet orders, portion sizes, and special dietary instructions as assigned.

· Assist with serving meals to patients, staff, and visitors in a courteous and timely manner.

· Ensure meals are properly portioned, presented, and delivered according to department procedures.

· Assist with stocking and replenishing food, beverages, condiments, and supplies.

· Label, date, store, and rotate food items according to food safety and department procedures.

· Assist with receiving, checking, and putting away food and kitchen supplies as directed.

· Report food shortages, equipment problems, and concerns regarding meal preparation or service to the Dietary Manager.

· Wash, rinse, and sanitize dishes, utensils, pots, pans, trays, and kitchen equipment.

· Clean and sanitize food preparation areas, countertops, sinks, floors, refrigerators, freezers, and other assigned areas.

· Follow proper handwashing, personal hygiene, food handling, and infection prevention practices.

· Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and food service environment.

· Properly dispose of garbage, recycling, and food waste.

· Follow all applicable food safety, sanitation, and hospital procedures.

· Maintain a professional, courteous, and service-oriented attitude when interacting with patients, families, staff, and visitors.

· Assist with meal tray delivery and collection as assigned.

· Report patient meal concerns, food allergies, or dietary questions to the appropriate dietary or nursing staff.

· Follow all patient privacy and confidentiality requirements.

· Perform other duties as assigned by the Dietary Manager.

· Knowledge and certification in food handling policies and procedures required.

· High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

· Computer skills including Outlook, Word, and Excel preferred.

Skills/Competencies

· Excellent communication skills.

· Organizational skills with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.