Diet Aide

Description

Job Summary

The Diet Aide in Dietary Services is a crucial member of our team, responsible for supporting the efficient functioning of the dietary department within our Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). This role requires a detail-oriented individual with strong organizational skills, a focus on cleanliness, and the ability to contribute to the overall well-being of our residents through dietary support.

Key Responsibilities

1. Kitchen Support:
   • Assist in the preparation and assembly of meals under the direction of the dietary staff.
   • Ensure the cleanliness and organization of kitchen workspaces, equipment, and utensils.
2. Dishwashing and Sanitation:
   • Operate dishwashing equipment to clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
   • Follow established sanitation and safety procedures to maintain a clean and hygienic kitchen environment.
3. Dietary Supplies Management:
   • Assist with the receiving, storage, and distribution of dietary supplies.
   • Monitor inventory levels and notify the dietary supervisor when supplies need to be replenished.
4. Meal Service Assistance:
   • Support meal service by setting up dining areas, delivering meals to residents, and assisting with special dietary requests.
   • Collaborate with dietary staff to ensure that meals are served in accordance with residents' dietary plans.
5. Compliance with Dietary Standards:
   • Adhere to all dietary and sanitation standards, following guidelines established by regulatory agencies.
   • Participate in training sessions to stay informed about changes in dietary regulations and best practices.
6. Collaboration with Dietary Team:
   • Work collaboratively with dietary staff, chefs, and other team members to maintain a positive and efficient work environment.
   • Communicate effectively with the dietary supervisor to address any issues or concerns.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in a dietary or kitchen support role is preferred.
• Basic understanding of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.

• Certification in Food Handling or equivalent training.
• Familiarity with dietary software or electronic health record systems.
• Ability to lift and carry items up to a certain weight limit.

Working Conditions

• Works in office area(s) as well as throughout the nursing service area (i.e., drug rooms, nurses’ stations, resident rooms, etc.).
• 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, personnel, and visitors.
• Communicate with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department directors.
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.
• Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects as appropriate.
• 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, COVID-19, and Hepatitis B viruses.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Maintains a liaison with the residents, their families, support departments, etc., to adequately plan for the residents’ needs.

Education

Must possess and maintain any and all necessary active and unencumbered certifications, degrees, or licenses in the necessary state, to the extent the position requires such certifications, degrees, or licenses.

Specific Requirements

• Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age-related needs of the residents served.
• Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of teamwork and team concept.
• 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 be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Physical and Sensory Requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation)

(With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to read, speak, and understandably write the English language.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must function independently, and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility, which include a medical and physical examination if the position requires.
• 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 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 emergencies.

All Other Duties as Assigned.

I understand this job description and its requirements; I understand that this is not an exclusive list of the job functions and that I am expected to complete all duties as assigned; I understand the job functions may be altered by management without notice and that I am an at-will employee.

Accommodations

The facility is an equal opportunity employer and recognizes that an individual with a disability may require accommodation to enable the individual to successfully perform a job function. I understand that I should discuss with my supervisor any needed accommodation. I agree to cooperate with the facility in identifying and discussing any available reasonable accommodation that may enable me to perform the essential function(s) of my position.