NUTRITION ASSISTANT

Summary

Supports the departmental mission of providing pleasant mealtime experiences to residents by providing physician-ordered nutritional services. These services assure individual resident preferences in diet selection and prompt, accurate handling of nutritionally balanced menus.

Essential Responsibilities

• Serves meals to residents in a professional and efficient manner.
• Instructs residents on meal ordering system following an established script.
• Assists residents and / or family members in placing meal orders, if necessary.
• Assesses resident's ability to utilize the meal order system and follow up with appropriate staff member if unable to participate.
• Delivers between meal nourishments directly to residents.
• Mediates resident concerns regarding meal service.
• Orders pantry supplies on nursing units.
• Communicates with members of other departments effectively and concisely.
• Acts as a liaison between Nutrition and Dietetics Department, the resident and nursing unit. Alerts nursing of residents in need of help with eating and feeding. Alerts diabetic residents to turn on call light when their tray or meal is delivered if at bedside.
• Is capable of reviewing computer diet related information.
• Uses common sense to care for the sick or handicapped with regard to resident's age and diagnosis.
• Portions food items in proper containers utilizing proper portion sizes.
• Creates a culture of service.
• Anticipates resident / team member needs and services them.
• Takes ownership of a problem and ensures a positive outcome.
• Serves as a quality assurance control point for every aspect of the operation.
• Assumes the role of a resident advocate.
• Demonstrates strong written and verbal skills.
• Performs other duties as requested.
• Communicates effectively with Dietitians.
• Records Calorie Counts.
• Note : While these are considered essential responsibilities of the position, alternatives or accommodations may be considered if the situation requires.

Supplemental Responsibilities

The functions of this position are not limited to what has been listed; tasks may be performed as assigned.

Guest Relations

Environmental Conditions

The environmental conditions that will affect this position, as they relate to the essential functions, are that the associate will work inside and be protected from weather conditions but not necessarily temperature changes, work in a well-lighted area.

All positions within the facility are classified in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) with regard to risk of exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens. Classifications I, II, or III have been assigned to the position as it applies to each work location or unit. Classifications will be reviewed at least annually.

The job classification exposure criteria as it applies to this position is Category III Exposure.

Classification II :

For associates / volunteers in these jobs / positions, the required tasks / procedures performed normally do not involve exposure to blood, body fluids, tissues, or to other potentially infectious materials but may require performing unplanned Category I tasks. In these jobs / positions, the normal work routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluids, tissues, or other infectious materials. However, exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment / volunteer service.

Must observe infection control procedures including hand washing and isolation procedures.

Requirements

Skills and Abilities

Physical Requirements

Vocational and Educational Preparation

To do this job, you must have the following amount of total education and / or experience :