Dietary Aide

Major Responsibilities: Perform routine tasks associated with Dietary meal service for patients, cafeteria and catering/special functions according to departmental policies and procedures in compliance with Regulatory Agency and Health Department regulations.

1. Prepares and assembles food in accordance with established recipes and guidelines. Monitors and documents food temperatures as assigned.
2. Stocks patient floor kitchenettes with bulk nourishment and supplies according to par levels. Monitors and documents the nourishment refrigerator temperatures on nursing units as assigned.
3. Serves food to patients, employees and guests using proper portion control, handling techniques and adhering to proper temperature standards as a set by regulatory agency.
4. Prepares assigned area of responsibility by obtaining and organizing necessary food and supplies for services with established time frames; Replenishing as needed
5. Distributes food, bulk nourishment/snacks and patient meal trays according to dietary procedures
6. Keeps trayline refrigertors stocked and replenishes as needed
7. Interacts with patients at the bedside or on the phone to assist with menu selection according to age, abilities, diet prescription, food preferences or cultural/ethnic dietary restrictions. Retrieves menus and edits, cross checking to assure the diet prescription conforms to menu selected.

Adheres to established guidelines and principles of safety, sanitation and security according to Accrediting Organization, Health Department and departmental standards.

1. Operates a variety of food service equipment safely and reports any malfunctions to management or designated person in charge
2. Collects and properly dispose or recycle refuse
3. Completes routine cleaning task as assigned using appropriate chemicals according to established procedures
4. Operate dish machine and perform various ware washing tasks such as cleaning and sanitizing of pots and pans, utensils, dishes and glasses; Stripping carts of soiled trays; Sanitizes equipment and work areas

Performs other duties as assigned or as necessary for operations of Dietary Service due to variances in staffing requirements. Enhance skills and broaden knowledge base through regular participation in area meetings, in-services, training sessions and mandatory hospital in-services to meet Regulatory Agency standards. Education/Experience Required: High School diploma or 1 year related experience Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: Good Verbal & written communication skills Ability to read, write and speak English Ability to work well with others Customer- oriented N/A Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: - Job requires 100% of standing or walking - Requires lifting of loads up to 40 pounds - Ability to push and pull food carts - Potential for falls, burns and cuts - Bending and frequent changes in body mechanics required during shift. Incorporates the provision of cultural and age specific needs while exhibiting communication skills necessary to interpret age specific responses. Primary interaction would be with adult individuals. If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Addendum: ADDENDUM TO JOB DESCRIPTIONS RELATED TO PATIENT SAFETY Report patient safety events and near misses in timely fashion Adhere to all behavioral and procedural patient safety practices Promote culture of safety through identifying threats to patient safety and intervening to prevent patient harm Communicate openly and promote team work Report intimidating behavior and other threats to patient safety promptly This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.