Dietary Technician

Responsibilities

• Organize tray cards and assemble tray line meals.
• Communicate diet food concerns to the dietitian.
• Prepare cold food items and work in the café.
• Stock food and non-food items.
• Perform cleaning duties within the kitchen, including sanitizing dishes, utensils, and equipment.
• Operate kitchen equipment such as ovens, stoves, slicers, mixers, and toasters.
• Check Dietary Service Requests (DSRs) on the computer, including assigning, completing, documenting notes, and closing requisitions.
• Build trays, place food items according to tray cards (diet order, tray instructions, likes, and dislikes), and deliver meal carts to locations.
• Store food following food safety policies and procedures.
• Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, and utensils each shift; complete weekly detailed cleaning per schedule.
• Assist with preparation for catering functions, facility celebrations, activities, or special events.
• Follow recipes and diet spreadsheets; test foods for proper cooking temperatures.
• Notify and obtain approval for menu item substitutions from the dietitian.
• Prepare and plate menu items, including sides and desserts, while meeting dietary guidelines.
• Prepare ingredients by measuring, weighing, mixing, chopping, trimming, and peeling food items.
• Safely utilize utensils, including knives, and operate kitchen equipment.
• Maintain professionalism and manage stress while interacting with staff, patients, and visitors.
• Follow district, department, federal, and state policies, procedures, and infection control practices.
• Set up, take down, and stock the café with supplies, hot and cold food, and non-food items for breakfast and lunch.
• Operate the dish machine to clean and sanitize dishes, pots, pans, and utensils.
• Dispose of kitchen trash frequently.
• Use the FIFO (first in, first out) method for stocking and inventory control.
• Complete annual education requirements, attend reviews, CQI activities, staff meetings, and departmental in-services.
• Maintain patient/resident and employee confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA privacy regulations.
• Represent the organization positively and professionally, communicating its mission, ethics, and goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the kitchen lead and/or manager.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Hospital or healthcare food service experience preferred.
• Food service experience preferred.
• California Food Handlers Card required within 7 days of hire.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Basic computer knowledge.

Schedule

May work any of the following shifts: diet clerk, cold prep, café, dishwasher, sanitation, and storeroom/load.