Director of Dining Services

Salary: $50,700 - 64,350.00 / Annual Salary Overview:

Director of Dining Services

Elderwood at Hornell | $50,700 – $64,350 annually

Lead with Purpose. Serve with Impact.

Elderwood at Hornell is seeking an experienced Director of Dining Services to oversee all aspects of our food service operation in a skilled nursing environment. This leadership role blends operational excellence, regulatory compliance, team development, and meaningful interaction with residents.

If you’re a food service leader who values quality, safety, teamwork, and resident satisfaction, this is an opportunity to make a real difference every day.

Position Overview:

The Director of Dining Services oversees daily operations of the dining services department, including the kitchen, dish room, food storage areas, and dining rooms. This role ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, promotes best practices, and delivers high-quality meal service that enhances the resident experience.

Why Join Elderwood at Hornell:

• 401(k) with employer match

• PTO and holiday package

• Full suite of health benefits

• Tuition reimbursement programs

• Employee referral bonuses

• Supportive leadership that values work-life balance

• Convenient on-site parking and employee appreciation initiatives

Responsibilities:

• Oversees the daily operations of the dining service department including the kitchen, dish room, food storage areas, and dining rooms.
• Adheres to state regulations, current best practices, policies, and procedures for food preparation and meal service.
• Works with Director of Nutritional Services on menus and recipe development.
• Maintains department food and non-food item inventory consistent with budgetary confines.
• Adheres to purchasing practices set forth by the Director of Purchasing and Nutritional Services Director.
• Conducts routine audits and monitors performance improvement initiatives related to food service.
• Attends, leads, and actively participates in, resident care plan meetings, staff meetings, required in-service programs, and other meetings/programs deemed appropriate by the Administrator or Director of Nutritional Services.
• Performs job functions of each department position when necessary.
• Regularly interacts and communicates with residents/family members regarding meal service.
• Maintains a working knowledge of federal regulations of the State Department of Health code and rules and regulations regarding meal service in the post-acute care setting.
• Ensures proper preparation, maintenance, and service of food in accordance with State rules and regulations.
• Acts as a preceptor for Dietetic and/or Food Service students and interns.
• Conducts in-service programs for dietary and facility staff upon request.
• Evaluates the performance of all Dining Services staff members.
• Support and abide by Elderwood’s and affiliate’s Mission, Vision, and Values
• Must abide by Elderwood’s and its affiliated businesses code of conduct, corporate compliance and HIPAA policies.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures and ability to reference them.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor, management staff or Administrator.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree or higher in Food Service Management (or Hospitality, if the course study includes food service or restaurant management) from an accredited institution of higher learning, OR Certified Dietary Manager, OR Certified Food Service Manager.
• Three years supervisory experience required.
• At least one year experience in a health care setting required.
• Working knowledge of CMS and DOH regulations as they relate to food service.
• Experience with the QIS survey process preferred.
• Computer skills and knowledge in nutritional software programs preferred.

• This position requires regular interaction with residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors. In order to ensure a safe work environment for residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors of the Company, and to permit unfettered communication between the employee and those residents, coworkers, visitors, and supervisors, this position requires that the employee be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at an intermediate or more advanced level.

EOE Statement: WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or any other protected Federal, State/Province or Local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.