Dietary Assistant

About the Role:

The Cook / Dietary Assistant Per Diem plays a vital role in ensuring the preparation and delivery of nutritious, safe, and appealing meals within healthcare or institutional settings. This position focuses on supporting dietary services by assisting in meal preparation, adhering to specific dietary guidelines, and maintaining high standards of food safety and sanitation. The role requires flexibility and adaptability to work on an as-needed basis, providing essential support during peak times or staff shortages. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with dietary managers, nutritionists, and other kitchen staff to meet the diverse dietary needs of patients or clients. Ultimately, this position contributes significantly to the overall well-being and satisfaction of those served by providing quality meals that meet health and dietary requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in food preparation or kitchen assistance, preferably in a healthcare or institutional setting.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow detailed dietary instructions and recipes accurately.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and perform manual tasks related to food preparation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in food handling or safety (e.g., ServSafe).
• Experience working with specialized diets such as diabetic, low-sodium, or allergen-free menus.
• Familiarity with healthcare dietary regulations and patient meal service protocols.
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with dietary team members and clients.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts on a per diem basis, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and cook meals according to established dietary guidelines and individual patient or client needs.
• Assist in the setup and cleanup of kitchen and dining areas, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Follow specific dietary instructions, including restrictions related to allergies, medical conditions, or cultural preferences.
• Monitor food quality and portion sizes to maintain consistency and nutritional standards.
• Support inventory management by receiving, storing, and rotating food supplies appropriately.
• Collaborate with dietary staff to accommodate special meal requests and ensure timely meal delivery.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment and workspaces in accordance with regulatory standards.

Skills:

The required skills enable the Cook / Dietary Assistant to efficiently prepare meals that meet specific dietary needs while maintaining food safety standards. Attention to detail is critical when following recipes and dietary restrictions to ensure patient health and satisfaction. Physical stamina and manual dexterity are necessary for handling kitchen equipment and performing repetitive tasks throughout the shift. Preferred skills such as certification in food safety enhance the ability to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and improve overall kitchen operations. Effective communication and teamwork skills facilitate smooth coordination with dietary staff and contribute to a positive work environment, especially when working flexible per diem schedules.

EEO/Drug Free Workplace