Dietary Aide

JOB SUMMARY:

The primary purpose of the Dietary Aide position is to provide assistance in all dietary functions as directed and to assure resident safety.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative Functions

· Work with the facility’s dietary manager and dietitian as necessary and implement recommendations.

· Ensure that all dietary procedures are followed according to facility policies.

Dietary Service Functions

· Prepare meals that are tasty and appetizing in appearance.

· Assist in serving meals as necessary and on a timely basis.

· Serve food according to established portion and control procedures.

· Work in various line functions as assigned.

· Assist in daily or scheduled cleaning duties as assigned.

· Clean worktables, meat blocks, refrigerators/freezers, etc.

· Sweep and mop floors as directed.

· Carry soiled utensils, dishes, glass, etc. to wash area.

· Return clean utensils to proper storage areas.

· Wash and clean utensils as directed.

· Carry out garbage and 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.

· Distribute and collect menus as necessary.

· Obtain food supplies for next meal.

· Assist in checking diet trays before distribution.

· Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.

· Serve food in dining room as instructed.

· Perform dishwashing/cleaning procedures. Assure that utensils, dishes, glasses, etc. are ready for next meal.

· Remove food trays from carts, dining rooms, etc. and take to dishwashing area.

· Prepare and deliver snacks, etc. as instructed.

· Make only authorized food substitutions.

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

Personnel Functions

· Develop and maintain a good working relationship with fellow dietary personnel and also with other department associates 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.

Safety and Sanitation Functions

• Prepare food, etc. according to sanitary regulations and facility policies and procedures.

• Follow safety regulations and precautions at all times.

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

• Ensure 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 your supervisor immediately.

• Report all accidents/incidents to your supervisor on the shift in which they occur.

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

• Dispose of food and waste according to facility policies.

• Wear protective clothing and equipment when handling infectious waste and/or blood/body fluids.

• Report missing or unreadable MSDSs to your supervisor.

Equipment and Supply Functions

• Ensure that food equipment and supplies for the next meal are readily available.

• Assist in inventory and storing of in-coming food, supplies, etc. as necessary.

Resident Rights Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent resident care information.

• Knock before entering a resident’s room.

• Report complaints to the Dietary Manager.

Working Conditions

• Works in food preparation area as well as throughout the dietary service areas. Atmosphere is warm for cooking.

• May experience temporary exposure to cold temperatures in the refrigerator/freezer.

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

• Moves intermittently during work hours.

• Is subject to frequent interruptions.

• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, under all conditions and circumstances.

• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel and visitors.

• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel and other department supervisors.

• Works beyond normal working hours and in other positions temporarily, when necessary. Works on weekends and holidays when necessary.

• Is subject to callback during emergency conditions.

• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday, as well as to reactions from dust, plastics, synthetics, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other potential contaminants.

• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.

• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc. including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.

• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

• Maintains a liaison with the resident, their families, support departments, etc. to adequately plan for the residents’ needs.

Staff Development Functions

· Participate in departmental projects as assigned.

· Attend in-service programs and on-the-job training classes as directed

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education

· Must possess, as a minimum, a tenth (10th) grade education.

· High School diploma or GED preferred.

Experience

· On-the-job training provided.

· Some experience in food service helpful.