Description

Purpose of Your Job Position

The primary purpose of your job position is to provide assistance in all dietary functions as directed/instructed and in accordance with established dietary policies and procedures.

 

Delegation of Authority

As a Dining Assistant you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.  Works under the Dining Director and cook on duty.

 

Job Functions

Every effort has been made to make your job description as complete as possible.  However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is a logical assignment to the position.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Functions

Work with the facility's food service manager and/or dietitian as necessary and implement recommended changes as required.

Assure that all dietary procedures are followed in accordance with established policies.

Others as deemed necessary and appropriate, or as may be directed.

    

Personnel Functions    

Develop and maintain a good working rapport with inter-department personnel, as well as with other departments within the facility to assure that food service can be properly maintained to meet the needs of the residents.    

Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the department.   

    

Staff Development    

Participate in and assist in departmental studies and projects as assigned or that may become necessary.

Attend and participate in mandatory in-service programs, workshops, seminars, etc., as directed.

    

Dining Service    

Serve meals that are palatable and appetizing in appearance.

Assist in serviced meals as necessary and on a timely basis.

Serve food in accordance with established portion control procedures.

Assist in daily or scheduled cleaning duties, in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Clean work tables, meat blocks, refrigerators/freezers, etc.

Carry soiled utensils to proper storage areas.

Return clean utensils to proper storage areas.

Wash and clean utensils as directed.

Keep work areas clean, dry and free of hazardous equipment, supplies, etc.

Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed.

Assist cook in preparing meals as directed.

Distribute and collect menus as necessary.

Obtain food supplies for next meal as directed.

Assist in checking diet trays for accuracy and appropriateness before distribution.

Serve food in dining room as instructed.

Perform dish washing/cleaning procedures.  Assure that utensils, etc., are readily available for next meal.  Ensure all dishes and utensils are properly cleaned.

Remove food trays from carts, dining rooms, etc., and take to dish washing area.

Prepare and deliver snacks, etc., as instructed following stock summary guidelines.

    

Safety and Sanitation    

Prepare food, etc. in accordance with sanitary regulations as well as with our established policies and procedures. Ensure maximum/minimum temperatures are met.

Assure that safety regulations are followed at all times by all personnel.

Follow established Infection Control and Universal Precautions policies and procedures when performing daily tasks.

Assure that the department is maintained in a clean and safe manner by assuring that necessary equipment and supplies 
are maintained.

Report all hazardous conditions/equipment to the Dining Director immediately.

Report all accidents/incidents as established by facility policies.

Assist in maintaining food storage areas in a clean and properly arranged manner at all times.

Dispose of food and waste in accordance with established policies.

Wear protective clothing and equipment when handling infectious waste and/or blood/body fluids.
Assure that all food products are wrapped, labeled and dated.

    

Equipment and Supply Functions    

Assure that food and supplies for the next meal are readily available.

Assist in inventorying and storing in-coming food, supplies, etc., as necessary.

Ensure that equipment is operating properly.  Report any malfunctions immediately.

    

Resident Rights    

Become familiar with all aspects of the Resident's Bill of Rights and maintain compliance with all conditions listed.

Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent resident care information.

Report any resident complaints and grievances immediately to the Dining Director or the Dietary Supervisor on duty.

Make every attempt to meet resident's needs and expectations in a cheerful, courteous, service-oriented manner.

    

Miscellaneous    

Make only authorized food substitutions.

Assist in food preparation for special meals for parties, etc.
 

Working Conditions

Works in well-lighted/ventilated areas.  Atmosphere is warm for cooking.     

Sits, stands, bends, lifts and 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. 

Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.         

Is subject to falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the work day.         

Is subject to sudden temperature changes when entering refrigerator.         

May be exposed to heat/cold temperatures in kitchen/storage area.

May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including the AIDS and hepatitis B viruses.     

Maintains a liaison with other department supervisors to adequately plan for dietary services/activities.

Qualifications

Education

Must possess, as a minimum, an 10th grade education.

 

Experience

None.  On-the-job training provided.

 

Specific Requirements

Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.

Must maintain the care and use of supplies, equipment, the appearance of work areas, and perform regular inspections of food service areas for sanitation, order, safety and proper performance of assigned duties.

Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever level they are currently functioning.

Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing dietary  practices.

 

Physical and Sensory Requirements

(With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.

Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

Must function independently, and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.

Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.

Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the  facility.

Must be able to lift, push, pull, and move equipment, supplies, etc., in excess of 50 pounds.

Must be able to assist in the evacuation of residents.