Food & Nutrition Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Aid the cook in preparing meals that meet portion control standards.
• Set up and deliver meal trays, food carts, etc. to designated areas.
• Assist in checking diet trays before distribution.
• Serve food in the dining room as instructed.
• Maintain availability of food and supplies for the next meal.
• Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, and floors.
• Wash dishes and utensils.
• Distribute and collect menus as needed.
• Prepare and deliver snacks as instructed.
• Carry out garbage and keep work areas clean.
• Wear protective clothing and equipment when handling infectious waste.
• Adhere to dress and jewelry requirements per health code regulations.
• Assist/direct daily or scheduled cleaning duties.
• Attend and participate in facility mandatory in-service training programs.
• Participate and assist in departmental studies and projects.

Qualifications

• Must have an 8th grade education or equivalent.
• On-the-job training provided.
• Must adhere to dress and jewelry requirements per health code regulations.
• Must maintain confidentiality of all pertinent resident care information including protected health information.

Skills And Knowledge

• Google and Microsoft operating system platforms.
• Administrative and clerical procedures; customer service.

Work Environment

• Works in well-lighted/ventilated areas.
• Atmosphere is warm and noisy for cooking.
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, etc.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing staff, and other department supervisors.
• Works beyond normal duty hours, on weekends, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.
• Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday, as well as reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• Maintains a liaison with other department directors to adequately plan for food services/activities.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Physical And Sensory Requirements

• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people within the facility.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility, which include a mental and physical examination.
• Must possess sight/hearing senses, or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must be able to taste and smell food to determine quality and palatability.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and /or lift a minimum of 50 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.