Food & Nutrition Specialist

About the Role

The primary responsibility of this position is to provide assistance in all food functions, adhering to federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations governing long-term care and assisted living facilities. You will follow established policies and procedures under the direction of the Food and Nutrition Services Manager to support meal preparation, serve well-balanced meals, and maintain a clean and sanitary dining environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist the cook in preparing palatable and appetizing meals following 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 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 and dining rooms.
• 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 hazards.
• 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/direct daily or scheduled cleaning duties in accordance with established policies.
• Attend and participate in facility mandatory in-service training programs.
• Participate in departmental studies and projects as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality of 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.
• Perform regular inspections of food service areas for sanitation, order, safety, and proper performance of duties.

Skills and Knowledge

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

Education and Experience

• Minimum 8th-grade education required.
• On-the-job training provided.

Work Environment

• Works in well-lighted/ventilated areas with a warm and noisy atmosphere during cooking.
• Moves intermittently during working hours and is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Interacts with residents, personnel, visitors, and government agencies under various conditions.
• May encounter hostile or emotionally upset residents and family members.
• Communicates with medical staff, nursing staff, and other department supervisors.
• May work beyond normal duty hours, on weekends, and in other positions temporarily.
• Subject to call back during emergencies (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster).
• Attends continuing educational programs.
• Exposed to risks such as falls, burns, odors, dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and infectious waste (including TB, AIDS, and Hepatitis B viruses).
• Maintains liaison with other department directors for food services/activities planning.
• May handle hazardous chemicals.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• Able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and occasionally hostile individuals.
• Must meet general health requirements, including mental and physical examinations.
• Able to taste and smell food to determine quality and palatability.
• Able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 50 pounds to a height of 5 feet and carry it a minimum distance of 50 feet.
• May assist in evacuating residents during emergencies.