Description

Welcome to Klickitat Valley Health, where we believe proper nutrition is essential to healing and wellness. As a Dietary Services team member, you'll have the opportunity to contribute directly to the health of our patients and staff by ensuring they receive nutritious and delicious meals. At KVH, we understand the critical role that dietary services play in the overall well-being of our patients, employees, and visitors, and we strive to provide the healthy food needed for long-term health.

As a member of our Dietary Services team, your dedication to providing high-quality meals and exceptional service will contribute to the physical health of our patients and staff and enhance their overall experience.

We're looking for compassionate individuals with a passion for nutrition and a commitment to delivering excellence. If you're eager to make a difference in the lives of others and be part of a team dedicated to promoting health and wellness, we invite you to join us at KVH and help us redefine the standard of care in dietary services.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Dietary Specialist is familiar with all aspects of the Dietary department operations. The Specialist is responsible for learning and performing multiple food service functions, including preparing and serving nutritious meals to our patients, visitors, and staff; cashiering; maintaining a clean and safe work environment. The Dietary Specialist must be aware of and adhere to special patient dietary restrictions and county Health Department regulations. The Dietary Specialist demonstrates excellence in customer service during interactions with employees, managers/supervisors, physicians, patients and patient family members, etc.

Qualifications

Minimum Education, Training & Experience (includes licenses or certifications):

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• ServSafe Certification is required.
• Current Food Handlers Certificate/Card for Klickitat County Health Department.
• Able to read and write in English and perform basic math skills related to preparing recipes, cashiering, cleaning chemical ratios inventory, etc.
• Certification as a Food Protection Manager required (for staff who act as the Managers replacement).

Experience:

• Six (6) months food service experience within a healthcare facility preferred.
• Experience working with the public in a service-oriented environment preferred.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities (but not limited to):

• Prepares food/meals using correct technique according to department standards and receipts, ensuring that proper procedures are followed, and that meals are palatable and presentable for service to patients, employees and guests.
• Assist with the planning and preparation of requests for special meals and/or events.
• Places food servings on plates/bowls and trays for employees and general customers, according to orders, or requests.
• Distributes food to patients ensuring that meals are delivered to the correct recipients and that guidelines for special diets are followed.
• Examine trays to ensure that they contain required items, including: eating utensils, napkins, and condiments.
• May perform cashiering function in the cafeteria to process sales for employees and the public.
• Retrieves dirty dishes/utensils for return to kitchen after meals are finished.
• Cleans and sterilizes dishes, kitchen utensils, equipment, and kitchen/dining room facilities.
• Stocks kitchen and dining room area with condiment supplies, napkins and other paper goods, as needed.
• Washes, dries and folds dietary linens for reuse as needed.
• Informs manager in a timely manner when supplies are getting low or equipment is not working properly.
• Assist with inventory control to meet demand, including unloading freight and stocking kitchen supplies.
• Ensures proper and safe use of dietary equipment, including the use of necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Practices appropriate safety precautions to avoid cuts, burns or other types of injury.
• Maintains a clean, safe, organized and orderly work station/area.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  Secondary Functions (but not limited to):

• Participates and supports the Performance Improvement (PI) process in department and makes recommendations for greater efficiency within department.
• Knowledgeable of and adheres to Washington State Department of Health requirements and/or other regulatory requirements; compliant with the department/hospital policies and procedures, educational requirements, corporate compliance, confidentially standards and the hospitals mission, etc.