Dietary Aid

About the Role

The Dietary Aide provides assistance in all dietary functions as directed and in accordance with established dietary policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Administrative Functions

• Work with the facility's dietitian as necessary and implement recommended changes as required.
• Ensure that all dietary procedures are followed in accordance with established policies.
• Perform other duties as deemed necessary and appropriate, or as may be directed.

Dietary Service

• Serve meals that are palatable and appetizing in appearance.
• Assist in serving meals as necessary and on a timely basis.
• Serve food in accordance with established portion control procedures.
• Assist in daily or scheduled cleaning duties, in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Clean work tables, meat blocks, refrigerators/freezers, etc.
• Sweep and mop floors as directed.
• Carry soiled utensils to wash area and 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 or supplies.
• 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 the next meal.
• Assist in checking diet trays before distribution.
• Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.
• Serve food in the dining room as instructed.
• Perform dishwashing and cleaning procedures.
• Assure that utensils are readily available for the next meal.
• Remove food trays from carts, dining rooms, etc., and take to dishwashing area.
• Prepare and deliver snacks as instructed.

Miscellaneous

• Make only authorized food substitutions.
• Assist in food preparation for special meals or parties.

Working Conditions

• Works in well-lighted and ventilated areas, though the atmosphere may be warm for cooking.
• Moves intermittently during working hours and is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents or family members.
• Communicates with medical staff, nursing staff, and other department supervisors.
• Works beyond normal duty hours, on weekends, and in other positions temporarily when necessary.
• Subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster).
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.
• Subject to sudden temperature changes when entering refrigerators or kitchen/storage areas.
• May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases (including TB, AIDS, and Hepatitis B viruses), and hazardous chemicals.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Kitchen experience preferred.
• Cleaning experience preferred.