Dietary Aide

JOB SUMMARY:

The primary purpose of the Dietary Aide position is to provide assistance in all dietary functions as directed.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative Functions

• Work with the facility’s dietary manager and dietitian as necessary and implement recommendations.
• Ensure that all dietary procedures are followed according to facility policies.

Dietary Service Functions

• Prepare meals that are tasty and appetizing in appearance.
• Assist in serving meals as necessary and on a timely basis.
• Serve food according to established portion and control procedures.
• Work in various line functions as assigned.
• Assist in daily or scheduled cleaning duties as assigned.
• Clean worktables, meat blocks, refrigerators/freezers, etc.
• Sweep and mop floors as directed.
• Carry soiled utensils, dishes, glass, etc. to wash area.
• Return clean utensils to proper storage areas.
• Wash and clean utensils as directed.
• Carry out garbage and keep work areas clean, dry and free of hazardous equipment, supplies, etc.
• Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc. as instructed.
• Assist cook in preparing meals.
• Distribute and collect menus as necessary.
• Obtain food supplies for next meal.
• Assist in checking diet trays before distribution.
• Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
• Serve food in dining room as instructed.
• Perform dishwashing/cleaning procedures. Assure that utensils, dishes, glasses, etc. are ready for next meal.
• Remove food trays from carts, dining rooms, etc. and take to dishwashing area.
• Prepare and deliver snacks, etc. as instructed.
• Make only authorized food substitutions.
• Assist in food preparation for special meals, parties, etc.

Personnel Functions

• Develop and maintain a good working relationship with fellow dietary personnel and also with other department associates to assure that food service can be properly maintained to meet the needs of the residents.
• Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the department.

Safety and Sanitation Functions

• Prepare food, etc. according to sanitary regulations and facility policies and procedures.
• Follow safety regulations and precautions at all times.
• Follow established Infection Control and Universal Precautions policies and procedures when performing daily tasks.
• Ensure that the department is maintained in a clean and safe manner by assuring that necessary equipment and supplies are maintained.
• Report all hazardous conditions/equipment to your supervisor immediately.
• Report all accidents/incidents to your supervisor on the shift in which they occur.
• Assist in maintaining food storage areas in a clean and properly arranged manner at all times.
• Dispose of food and waste according to facility policies.
• Wear protective clothing and equipment when handling infectious waste and/or blood/body fluids.
• Report missing or unreadable MSDSs to your supervisor.

Equipment and Supply Functions

• Ensure that food equipment and supplies for the next meal are readily available.
• Assist in inventory and storing of in-coming food, supplies, etc. as necessary.

Resident Rights Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent resident care information.
• Knock before entering a resident’s room.
• Report complaints to the Dietary Manager.

Working Conditions

• Works in food preparation area as well as throughout the dietary service areas. Atmosphere is warm for cooking.
• May experience temporary exposure to cold temperatures in the refrigerator/freezer.
• May be exposed to heat/cold temperatures in kitchen/storage areas.
• Moves intermittently during work hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel and visitors.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel and other department supervisors.
• Works beyond normal working hours and in other positions temporarily, when necessary. Works on weekends and holidays when necessary.
• Is subject to callback during emergency conditions.
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday, as well as to reactions from dust, plastics, synthetics, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other potential contaminants.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc. including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Maintains a liaison with the resident, their families, support departments, etc. to adequately plan for the residents’ needs.

Staff Development Functions

• Participate in departmental projects as assigned.
• Attend in-service programs and on-the-job training classes as directed

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education

• Must possess, as a minimum, a tenth (10th) grade education.
• High School diploma or GED preferred.

Experience

• On-the-job training provided.
• Some experience in food service helpful.

Specific Requirements

• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Must display professionalism both in appearance and attitude.
• Must possess the ability to solve problems and make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must genuinely care for and understand the elderly and disabled.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agency personnel and the general public.
• Must possess the ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
• Must be able to plan, organize, develop, implement and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures that are necessary for providing activity services.
• Must have patience, tact, a positive disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult people.
• Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing activities practices.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, religion, veteran’s status, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.