Food Services Director

FOOD SERVICES DIRECTOR Bel‑Air Manor, Newington, CT POSITION TYPE: Full-Time SHIFT: Days; with flexibility as needed PAY RANGE: $62,000 - $80,000 BENEFITS – FULL‑TIME Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance FSA and HRA with applicable group medical plan 401(k) with employer match Employer-Paid Life Insurance Short- and Long-Term Disability Paid Meal Period Paid Time Off Eight Paid Holidays Longevity Awards Perfect Attendance Program Employee Assistance Program Employee Discounts Casual Fridays Paid Training and Orientation Uniform Allowance JOB SUMMARY Are you an experienced food service professional with a passion for providing exceptional dining experiences in a healthcare environment? Bel‑Air Manor is seeking a full‑time Food Services Director to lead and oversee the daily operations of our Dietary Department. The Food Services Director directs, coordinates, and supervises all food and nutrition services in accordance with federal, Connecticut state, and local regulations, facility policies, and accepted standards of practice. This position works closely with the facility Dietitian, Administrator, Director of Nursing, and interdisciplinary team to ensure residents receive nutritious, appetizing, and properly prepared meals that meet their medical, nutritional, cultural, and personal preferences. The ideal candidate is an organized and experienced leader who is committed to food safety, regulatory compliance, resident satisfaction, staff development, and high‑quality dining services. RESPONSIBILITIES Direct and oversee the overall operation of the Dietary Department, including food preparation, meal service, staffing, sanitation, infection control, purchasing, inventory, budgeting, and regulatory compliance. Supervise and coordinate the daily activities of all dietary personnel. Recruit, interview, train, schedule, evaluate, counsel, and supervise dietary staff. Maintain appropriate staffing levels to meet resident needs and regulatory requirements. Ensure meals are nutritious, attractive, palatable, and served at appropriate temperatures. Ensure therapeutic and mechanically altered diets are prepared and served according to physician orders, resident care plans, and approved diet manuals. Collaborate with the Dietitian regarding menu planning, nutritional concerns, special diets, resident preferences, and regulatory compliance. Monitor food production, portion control, meal presentation, service times, and overall food quality. Ensure dining services promote resident choice, dignity, independence, and quality of life. Conduct routine inspections of the kitchen, dining rooms, storage areas, food preparation areas, and equipment. Ensure compliance with food safety requirements related to receiving, storage, preparation, holding, and service. Maintain required documentation, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, inventory records, staffing schedules, training records, and quality assurance reports. Oversee the ordering, receiving, storage and inventory control of food, supplies, and equipment. Manage the department budget and monitor food, labor, and supply costs. Ensure kitchen equipment is maintained in safe operating condition and promptly report repair or replacement needs. Participate in resident care conferences and interdisciplinary meetings as appropriate. Investigate and respond to food service concerns raised by residents, families, staff, or other members of the care team. Implement corrective action plans identified through audits, inspections, surveys, and quality assurance activities. Ensure all dietary employees receive required orientation, in‑service education, competency evaluations, and ongoing training. Participate in quality assurance and performance improvement activities. Maintain department readiness for state, federal, and local inspections. Participate in emergency preparedness activities, drills, and facility disaster‑response operations. Maintain effective communication with residents, families, staff, consultants, vendors, and regulatory agencies. Perform other duties as assigned. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Candidates must satisfy applicable federal and Connecticut requirements for food service or dietary managers and meet at least one of the following qualification pathways: Certification as a Dietary Manager. Certification as a Food Service Manager. A comparable national certification in food service management and food safety issued by a recognized national certifying organization. An associate’s degree or higher in food service management, hospitality management, or a related field from an accredited institution, provided the course of study includes food service or restaurant management. At least two years of experience as a Director of Food and Nutrition Services in a nursing facility and completion of a course of study in food safety and management. Coursework must include subjects essential to managing dietary operations, such as foodborne illness prevention, sanitation procedures, and food purchasing and receiving. Additional requirements include: High school diploma or equivalent. Minimum of two years of experience in food service management. Knowledge of food safety standards, sanitation practices, therapeutic diets, infection control, and dietary operations. Ability to supervise, train, motivate, and evaluate employees. Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and time‑management skills. Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, priorities, and deadlines. Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Certified Dietary Manager and Certified Food Protection Professional credentials. ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification. Associate’s degree or higher in Food Service Management, Culinary Arts, Nutrition, Hospitality Management, or a related field. Previous food service management experience in a skilled nursing facility, long‑term care facility, rehabilitation center, or other healthcare setting. Knowledge of federal and Connecticut dietary regulations applicable to long‑term care facilities. PERSONAL SKILLS AND TRAITS Demonstrates strong leadership and sound independent judgment. Promotes teamwork and contributes to a positive work environment. Communicates tactfully and professionally with residents, families, visitors, employees, vendors, consultants, and regulatory representatives. Protects resident rights, dignity, preferences, and confidentiality. Maintains confidentiality of protected health information in verbal, written, and electronic communications. Adheres to facility policies, standards of business conduct, and federal and state regulations. Immediately reports suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, misappropriation of property, resident mistreatment, policy violations, or confidentiality breaches. Remains calm and professional when managing resident concerns, staffing challenges, inspections, and emergency situations. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday. Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, push, pull, and perform other movements required by the position. Must be able to lift, move, and carry up to 50 pounds as necessary. May be required to work beyond normal business hours, including weekends, holidays, and emergency situations. May be required to call‑back during emergency conditions. Works in kitchen, dining, office, and storage areas with varying temperatures. May be exposed to heat, cold, steam, cleaning chemicals, food odors, and kitchen equipment. May be exposed to infectious diseases and communicable conditions. Must maintain the proper care and use of equipment, supplies, and work areas. Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others in the workplace. ABOUT US Ryders Health Management is a family‑owned management company overseeing skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers. Across our facilities, we provide exceptional, resident‑centered care designed to support each individual’s recovery and quality‑of‑life goals—whether they are with us for short‑term rehabilitation or long‑term care. Our commitment to our employees is just as strong as our commitment to our residents. We offer a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional development, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote employee well‑being. OUR CARING COMMUNITY Bel‑Air Manor is a 71‑bed, family‑owned skilled nursing facility located in Newington, CT. As part of the Ryders Health family, you will join a team backed by more than 75 years of experience and a tradition rooted in quality care, teamwork, and staffing ratios that exceed industry standards. Come join our compassionate and dedicated team of professionals! REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local civil rights laws, Ryders Health Management provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities unless doing so would create an undue hardship. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation should contact the Human Resources Department. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr