Dietary Aide

About the role

The Dietary Aide is responsible for assisting in the preparation and serving of meals and snacks to participants of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Under the supervision of the PACE Dietitian this position will perform duties related to PACE Day Center meal preparation, service, and post-meal clean up. This role ensures that dietary needs and preferences of participants are met in accordance with their care plans and that all food service operations comply with established standards and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Set up dining room for meals: set tables, ensure condiments are available, prepare beverages.
• Serve meals at proper temperature, timely, according to diet order, with appetizing appearance and proper portion control.
• Assist in checking diet trays against diet orders before distribution.
• Remove food trays from dining room to dishwashing area.
• Perform dishwashing tasks; ensure utensils are ready for next meal; return clean utensils to proper storage.
• Assist in cleaning dining and kitchen areas: utensils, dishes, floors, tables, food storage.
• Assist with daily or scheduled cleaning duties per policies: clean work tables, meat blocks, refrigerators/freezers; sweep and mop floors as directed.
• Assist cook in preparing meals.
• Prepare and deliver snacks as instructed.
• Dispose of trash, boxes, and food waste in proper containers per policies.
• Follow safety regulations and infection control/universal precautions.
• Keep floors clean and dry; manage spill clean‑up promptly.
• Report hazardous conditions or equipment to supervisor promptly.
• Maintain food storage areas clean and organized.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment when using cleaning products; know location and purpose of MSDS.
• Assist in inventorying, labeling, rotating, and storing incoming food/supplies as needed.
• Maintain excellent, respectful working relationships with diverse co‑workers and customers.
• Exhibit professionalism: attendance, punctuality, accountability, appearance, demeanor, willingness to go beyond normal expectations.
• Participate on programmatic teams as required.
• Protect privacy and maintain confidentiality of employee, participant, and sensitive agency information.
• Support agency’s mission and values.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Primarily work indoors.
• Usually have own office or a shared office space.
• Exposed daily to participants who have diseases or infections.
• Wear protective clothing such as gowns, masks, and gloves as needed.
• Work very close to others, especially when examining participants.
• Frequently required to walk, sit, and/or stand.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Education & Training

A high school diploma or equivalent desired

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant.
• Ability to deal tactfully with staff, participants, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Knowledgeable of dietary procedures.
• Possess patience, tact, a cheerful disposition, enthusiasm, and willingness to handle difficult situations and participant dynamics.