Dietary Assistant Manager

Position Summary

The Dietary Assistant Manager assists the Dietary Manager in planning, organizing, directing, and supervising the daily operations of the Dietary Department in a skilled nursing facility. This position helps ensure residents receive nutritious, attractive, and therapeutically appropriate meals while maintaining compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including CMS, AHCA, OSHA, and food safety standards. The Dietary Assistant Manager serves as the manager in the absence of the Dietary Manager and promotes exceptional customer service for residents, families, and staff.

ABOUT PLAZA - Located in Gainesville, FL, we are a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility that is dedicated to helping our residents maximize their potential and live their lives to the fullest. We offer a modern, comfortable, and secure facility staffed by caring professionals where individuals receive the finest sub-acute medical care, rehabilitation services, and 24-hour skilled nursing care. We are committed to maintaining a facility where compassionate care is provided in an environment of respect and dignity. It is also a great working environment for our staff as we truly value and appreciate each member of our team!

While working here, you will enjoy:

• Now offering BlueCross BlueShield health insurance!

• Competitive Wages

• Referral Bonuses

• Tuition Reimbursement Program

• PayActiv, Get Paid Before Pay Day

• Team Building Events

• Lots of Employee Appreciation Activities

• Friendly Fun Competitions

• Milestone Luncheons / Gifts

• Mentorship Programs

• Paid Time Off

• Holiday Pay

• Medical * Dental * Vision * Life * STD Insurances

• 401K retirement plan

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Department Operations

• Assist with the daily management of dietary services.

• Supervise cooks, dietary aides, dishwashers, and food service staff during assigned shifts.

• Ensure meals are prepared and served according to physician orders, therapeutic diets, and resident preferences.

• Monitor food quality, presentation, temperature, and portion control.

• Ensure meal service is timely, accurate, and resident-centered.

• Serve as acting department manager when the Dietary Manager is unavailable.

Staff Leadership

• Assist with hiring, orientation, scheduling, and training dietary employees.

• Provide coaching and performance feedback to department staff.

• Promote teamwork and maintain positive employee relations.

• Monitor attendance and productivity and communicate concerns to the Dietary Manager.

• Assist with employee performance evaluations.

Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain compliance with:

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

  • Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)

  • Florida Department of Health regulations

  • OSHA safety standards

  • FDA Food Code

  • Infection prevention and control standards

• Ensure kitchen sanitation meets all regulatory requirements.

• Participate in state surveys and assist with corrective action plans when necessary.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Monitor proper food storage, labeling, dating, and rotation (FIFO).

• Ensure sanitation schedules are completed.

• Verify equipment temperatures and food temperatures.

• Maintain clean and organized kitchens, storage rooms, and dining areas.

• Assist with infection prevention practices throughout the department.

Resident Care

• Promote resident satisfaction by addressing food concerns promptly.

• Assist in accommodating food allergies, preferences, religious, and cultural dietary needs.

• Work closely with Nursing, Rehabilitation, Activities, and the Registered Dietitian to meet residents' nutritional needs.

• Participate in care conferences as requested.

Inventory & Purchasing

• Assist with ordering food and supplies.

• Monitor inventory levels.

• Help reduce food waste and control departmental costs.

• Ensure proper receiving and storage of deliveries.

Documentation

• Maintain accurate production records.

• Complete sanitation logs and temperature logs.

• Assist with staffing records and schedules.

• Complete incident reports as needed.

Safety

• Promote safe work practices.

• Report accidents, equipment failures, or hazards immediately.

• Ensure employees use proper lifting techniques and personal protective equipment.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• Coursework in Dietary Management, Food Service Management, or Nutrition preferred.

• Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) certification preferred or willingness to obtain within facility-required timeframe.

Experience

• Minimum one to two years of supervisory experience in dietary or food service.

• Previous experience in a skilled nursing facility, long-term care, hospital, or healthcare food service preferred.

• Experience with therapeutic diets strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of therapeutic diets and modified texture diets.

• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.

• Strong leadership and organizational skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office and dietary software.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand and walk for extended periods.

• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.

• Bend, reach, squat, kneel, and climb as necessary.

• Work in hot, cold, and wet kitchen environments.

• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and flexible schedules as needed.

Working Conditions

• Skilled Nursing Facility / Long-Term Care environment.

• Exposure to kitchen equipment, cleaning chemicals, heat, steam, and refrigerated storage areas.

• Frequent interaction with residents, visitors, and interdisciplinary team members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) credential.

• ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification.

• Experience with PointClickCare or other long-term care dietary software.

• Knowledge of Florida skilled nursing regulations and CMS survey processes.

Performance Expectations

• Demonstrates professionalism and compassion in all resident interactions.

• Maintains compliance with facility policies and regulatory standards.

• Supports a culture of teamwork, dignity, respect, and resident-centered care.

• Contributes to high resident satisfaction and positive survey outcomes.

• Promotes efficiency, food quality, and continuous quality improvement within the Dietary Department.

• 
  We are an Equal Opportunity Employer https://www.eeoc.gov/poster

• Our facility uses the Florida Background Screening Clearinghouse, 435.12, Florida Statutes. Learn more at https://info.flclearinghouse.com