The Dietary Aide I position plays a crucial role in assisting in the preparation and serving nutritious and appetizing meals for our guests, ensuring they receive high-quality dining experiences that meet their dietary needs and preferences.

Reports to: Nutrition Services Director, Manager or Supervisor

Schedule: Full-Time, Weekends, Days,

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Assist in the preparation of food, garnishes, snacks and beverages following approved menus, and procedures.
• Coordinate with the cook to serve meals, ensuring food safety and hygiene procedures policies and procedures are followed at all times.
• Follow menu extensions and portion control guidelines, monitor and record temperatures to reduce waste.
• Assist daily with kitchen cleaning, dish washing and storage according to the assigned cleaning schedule.
• Monitor temperatures of equipment daily and notify the supervisor when temperatures are out of range.
• Bussing the dining areas and setting up the dining room prior to each meal, assuming responsibility for the dining room being clean and presentable.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen areas, including food preparation surfaces, equipment, utensils, and storage areas, in compliance with health department regulations.
• Maintain the nourishment room in a clean, organized and sanitary manner.
• Work cooperatively with dietary staff, including supervisor, cooks, dishwashers and Registered Dietician Nutritionist (RDN), to assist during meals service, report resident concerns and promote resident satisfaction.
• Understand and follow all facility policies and procedures, including infection control protocols, safety regulations and quality assurance measures related to food service operations.
• Participate in regular in-servicing, training programs and educational opportunities to enhance skills, food safety knowledge, and professional development.
• Perform all other duties as requested by management.

Job Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current certification from nationally recognized food service and safety accrediting body.
• 1 year experience in a skilled nursing care facility or other medical facility preferred.
• Basic knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation practices, and dietary guidelines.
• Ability to follow written and oral directions
• Time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate and interact in a professional manner with residents, staff, and visitors.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service to residents and their families.
• Ability to maintain composure and manage stress in the workplace.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Physical Requirements:

• Work performed in a medical setting due to the need to prepare and serve food onsite for residents.
• Must be able to sit, stand, bend, reach, talk, hear, stoop, kneel, crouch, stretch, and twist.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, infectious waste, blood and body fluid, diseases, and conditions prevalent at the time.
• Required vision includes close, vision, distance, peripheral, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Stamina to stand continuously for extended periods while cooking, plating, and serving meals in the kitchen.
• Capability to lift and carry heavy pots, pans, trays, and food containers weighing up to 20lbs, as needed during meal preparation and service.
• Proficiency in performing tasks that require manual dexterity such as pouring beverages, slicing, and handling kitchen utensils and equipment.
• Knowledge of and adherence to safety protocols to prevent burns, cuts, slips, and other kitchen accidents, including proper handling of knives, hot surfaces, and kitchen equipment.
• Maintain regular attendance and timeliness as set forth within the work schedule designated by the department supervisor/manager.
• Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
• Ability to work with chemical and cleaning agents.
• Ability to withstand exposure to temperature and humidity changes as in entering refrigerated storage areas, working near ovens and ranges, dishwashing machines and steam tables.
• Specific visual abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Visual acuity and color discrimination for examining cooked and stored foods as well as reading menu extensions and tray cards accurately.
• Ability to assist with stock delivery and rotation, must be able to regularly lift and/or carry up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Occasionally the employee must lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.
• Must be free from infections, open wounds and communicable diseases.