Food & Nutrition Specialist

About the Role

The primary responsibility of this position is to provide assistance in all food functions following current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern long-term care and assisted living facilities. You will follow established policies and procedures as directed by the Food and Nutrition Services Manager to assist in food preparation, serve well-balanced meals, and maintain a clean and sanitary dining hall.

Responsibilities

• Assist cook in preparing meals that are palatable and appetizing in accordance with established portion control procedures.
• 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.
• Ensure that food and supplies for the next meal are readily available.
• Assist in cleaning and sanitizing work areas, equipment, floors, dishes, and utensils.
• Remove food trays from carts, dining rooms, etc.
• Perform dishwashing and cleaning procedures.
• Distribute and collect menus as necessary.
• Prepare and deliver snacks as instructed.
• Carry out garbage and keep work areas clean, dry, and free of hazardous equipment.
• Wear protective clothing and equipment when handling infectious waste and/or blood/body fluids.
• Adhere to dress and jewelry requirements per health code regulations.
• Assist or direct daily or scheduled cleaning duties in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Attend and participate in facility-mandated in-service training programs as scheduled.
• Participate and assist in departmental studies and projects as assigned or necessary.
• Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent resident care information, including protected health information.
• Demonstrate a passion for caring through interactions with co-workers, residents, families, and visitors.
• Maintain the care and use of supplies, equipment, and the appearance of work areas, and perform regular inspections of food service areas for sanitation, order, safety, and proper performance of assigned duties.
• Perform all other duties as requested.

Requirements

• Must possess, as a minimum, an 8th-grade education.
• 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, including a mental and physical examination.
• Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that enable these senses to function adequately so 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.

Skills and Knowledge

• Familiarity with Google and Microsoft operating system platforms.
• Understanding of administrative and clerical procedures and customer service.

Work Environment

• Works in well-lighted and ventilated areas; atmosphere is warm and noisy for cooking.
• Moves intermittently during working hours and is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel under all conditions and circumstances.
• Subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, etc.
• 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, etc., throughout the workday, as well as reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.
• 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 and activities.
• May be subject to handling and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Benefits

• Generous bonuses.
• Daily pay advance option available.
• Growth opportunities – potential to double your salary.
• Health benefits.