Food & Nutrition Specialist

The primary responsibility of your job position is to provide assistance in all food functions following the current federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations that govern long term care and assisted living facilities. You are entrusted to follow established policies and procedures as directed by the Food and Nutrition Services Manager in order to assist in food preparation, serve a well-balanced meal and maintain a clean and sanitary dining hall.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist cook in preparing meals that are palatable and appetizing in accordance with established portion control procedures.
• Set up and deliver meal trays, food carts, etc. to designated areas.
• Assist in checking diet trays before distribution.
• Serve food in dining room as instructed.
• Ensure that food and supplies for the next meal are readily available.
• Assist in cleaning and sanitizing work areas, equipment and floors, dishes and utensils.
• Remove food trays from carts, dining rooms, etc.
• Perform dishwashing/cleaning procedures.
• Distribute and collect menus as necessary.
• Prepare and deliver snacks as instructed.
• Carry out garbage and keep work areas clean, dry and free of hazardous equipment.
• Wear protective clothing and equipment when handling infectious waste and/or blood/body fluids.
• Adheres to dress and jewelry requirements per health code regulations
• Assist/direct daily or scheduled cleaning duties in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Attend and participate in facility mandatory in-service training programs as scheduled.
• Participate and assist in departmental studies and projects as assigned or that may become necessary.
• Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent resident care information including protected health information.
• Demonstrate a passion for caring as evidenced by interaction with co-workers, residents, families, and visitors.
• Must maintain the care and use of supplies, equipment, the appearance of work areas, and perform regular inspections of food service areas for sanitation, order, safety, and proper performance of assigned duties.
• Perform all other duties as requested

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Google and Microsoft operating system platforms
• Administrative and clerical procedures; customer service

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Must possess, as a minimum, an 8th grade education

On-the-job training provided

JOB TRAINING:

How long it usually takes to completely perform this job when the incumbent has the minimum knowledge, skills, ability, work experience and/or education: up to 3 months

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Works in well-lighted/ventilated areas. Atmosphere is warm and noisy for cooking
• Moves intermittently during working hours
• Is subject to frequent interruptions
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, etc
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing staff, and other department supervisors
• Works beyond normal duty hours, on weekends, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary
• Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.)
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday, as well as reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses
• Maintains a liaison with other department directors to adequately plan for food services/activities
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people within the facility
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility, which include a mental and physical examination
• Must possess sight/hearing senses, or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met
• Must be able to taste and smell food to determine quality and palatable
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and /or lift a minimum of 50 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations