Nutritional Services Worker (PRN)

Nutritional Services Worker

Under the direct supervision of the Dietary Manager or Supervisor, the Nutritional Services Worker performs a variety of patient food service and dish duties. PRN position-weekends included.

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Position Description:

• Prepares food trays for general and therapeutic diets.
• Prepares and delivers items as requested by patient care units or patients.
• Maintains tray line in a clean, neat and organized manner.
• Assists in general food preparation and service as required, assists on tray line, cafeteria line or snack bar as required and cross-trains for and performs the duties of other positions in the department as assigned.
• Breaks down cafeteria line, covers, identifies and stores/refrigerates leftovers for future use.
• Prepares special diet foods as necessary.
• Assists patients in completing menu selections in compliance with prescribed diet as assigned by Dietitian. Offers alternatives to menu as allowed on prescribed diet in accordance with food allergies or sensitivities, cultural, ethnic and religious preferences when patient inquires or needs additional selections.
• Maintains serving line in a clean, neat and organized manner; requests replenishments as needed.
• Serves hot and cold food on serving lines to visitors and employees.
• Replenishes the salad bar and keeps it clean.
• Makes coffee; ensures coffee machines stay full.
• Ensures all beverage containers are full, i.e., soda, ice tea, juices.
• Delivers food carts to patient care units. Returns carts to kitchen at designated times.
• Loads and oversees dishwashers.
• Washes specified items by hand, i.e., pots, pans, knives.
• Disposes of trash and garbage in appropriate manner and as needed.
• Puts clean dishes and utensils away.
• Mops floors as scheduled and as necessary.
• Cleans walk-in refrigerators and storage areas.
• Assists in preparing salads, desserts and nourishments.
• Assist with implementation of new software program
• Patient nutrition screenings
• Performs special cleaning duties as assigned by the Nutritional Services Director/ Supervisor.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Treats patients and families with respect and dignity.
• Observes infection prevention and control practices at all times.
• Complies with regulatory agency standards, including federal and state.
• Participates in departmental performance improvement activities.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.

Professional Requirements:

• Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• Completes annual education requirements.
• Maintains and ensures patient confidentiality at all times.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled; completes work within designated time.
• Wears identification while on duty; uses computerized punch time system correctly.
• Completes in-services and returns in a timely fashion.
• Attends annual review and performs departmental in-services.
• Attends staff meetings; reads and returns all monthly staff meeting minutes
• Actively participates in the department's continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the hospital, as well as the focus statement of the department.
• Follows facility and department infection control policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Adjust work hours/schedule to meet the needs and demands of the department and Hospital.
• Aware of all Emergency Disaster Plans and how to respond.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic Microsoft office computer skills or ability to learn such skills required
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
• Additional languages preferred

Additional Requirements with or without Reasonable Accommodation:

Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, push, stoop, reach above the shoulder, grasp, pull, bend repeatedly, identify colors, hear with aid, see, write, count, read, speak, communicate in English, analyze, alphabetize, lift and carry over 100 lbs, perceive depth.

Conditions include working inside, working around machines with moving parts and moving objects, radiant and electrical energy, working closely with others, working alone, working protracted or irregular hours. Exposure to body fluids and/or infection from disease-bearing specimens, exposure to chemicals/biohazardous/radioactive substances, exposure to explosive/flammable chemicals or gases, exposure to patient/visitors under a wide variety of circumstances.

Mental demands include; alertness, analytic ability, memory, concentration, judgment, initiative, precision, creativity and communication.