Dietary Aide

Purpose of Your Job Position

The primary purpose of your job position is to provide assistance in all dietary functions as directly instructed and in accordance with established dietary policies and procedures.

Delegation of Authority

As the Dietary Aide, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.

Job Functions

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties docs not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Functions

Work with the facility's dietician as necessary and implements recommended changes as required.

Ensure that all dietary procedures are followed in accordance with established policies. Others as deemed necessary and appropriate, or as may be directed.

Personnel Functions

Develop and maintain a good working rapport with inter-departmental personnel, as well as with other departments within the facility, to assure that food service can be properly maintained to meet 1he 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.

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

Report missing/illegible labels and/or MSDSs to your supervisor.

Equipment and Supply Functions

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

Assist in inventorying and storing incoming food, supplies, ect., as necessary.

Resident Rights

Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent resident care infom1ation.

Knock before entering a resident's room.

Treat all residents, families, and visitors with respect and dignity

Report complaints to the Director of Food Services.

Miscellaneous

Make only authorized food substitutions.

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

Working Conditions

Works in well-lighted/Ventilated areas. Atmosphere is warm for cooking.

Moves intermittently during work hours.

ls subject to frequent interruptions.

ls 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 working hours, weekends and holidays and on other shift/positions as necessary.

ls subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g. severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).

Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.

ls subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc. throughout the work day, as well as reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.

Is subject to sudden temperature changes when entering refrigerator. May be exposed to heat/cold temperatures in kitchen/storage area.

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

Maintains a liaison with other department supervisors to adequately plan for food services/activities.

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

Education

Must possess, as a minimum, an 12th grade education or equivalent.

Experience

No experience required, "on the job" training provided

Specific Requirements

Must possess and maintain an "Eligible" ACHA Background Screening status.

Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.

Must possess willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.

Must maintain the care and use of supplies, equipment, etc., and maintain the appearance of dietary service areas in accordance with the facility's established procedure.

Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level they are currently functioning.

Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

(With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

Must be able to move frequently throughout the work day.

Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.

Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

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 function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with the residents, personnel, and support agencies.

Must be able to bend and stoop frequently.

Must be able to push, pull, move, &/or lift a minimum of 35 lbs. to a minimum height of

5 fl & be able to push, pull, move, &/or carry such weight a minimum of 450 ft.

Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which may include a medical and physical examination.