Nutrition Assistant

Nutrition Assistant

At Houston Methodist, the Nutrition Assistant position is responsible for educating the patient on the dining services programs/process, is the initial point of contact for problem resolution, and assures that information regarding the diet is accurate. This position is available to assist the patient with menu selection specific to their physician prescribed diet order, ensure timely meal/tray delivery, and monitor feedback for improvement in selection and quality. The Nutrition Assistant position is responsible for correcting issues relayed from patients to appropriate staff and communicates with peers and management regarding identified hazards in the workplace, following correct procedures in sanitation of work areas as appropriate. This position follows all department policies and procedures and complies with the local relevant Food Ordinances.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

• One year of customer service or hospitality experience preferred

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Must have one of the following certifications: Food Handlers Permit - Accredited food handler training course approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) or by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Certified Food Manager - Obtain in 90 days; Once Food Service Manager Certification is obtained, Food Handler Permit is no longer required; Food Service Manager must be renewed every 5 years

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Must possess good communication skills and be able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrates good judgment in professional decision-making
• Demonstrates skills and ability to obtain as well as analyze pertinent information in order to make informed decisions
• Demonstrates active listening skills giving full attention to what other people are saying
• Demonstrates the skills and ability to take appropriate follow-up action to ensure that the workload is processed and identified discrepancies are resolved within established time frames
• Demonstrates good judgment in professional decision-making

Essential Functions:

• Greets patients, using their name whenever possible, and educates them on the dining services programs/process, specific to their physician prescribed diet order when available. Interacts in a positive, professional manner with patients, family and staff. Communicates clearly and professionally to nursing, interprofessional staff and peers to promote both work efforts and problem resolution.
• Serves as the first point of contact for all complaints involving patient Food Services. Follows through with resolving any problems and communicating to management when patient food service problems are identified.
• Communicates pertinent information, e.g., difficulty eating, poor appetite, nourishment concerns, formula usage, requests to see the Dietitian, etc., to ensure proper handling and processing of information.
• Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.
• Assures that all new admits receive information regarding the operation of the dining services program and their prescribed diets. Assists and accommodates patients, as needed, with information regarding their diets, e.g., answering questions about their menu selections, placing their order using computerized software, meal ordering directions and problems, etc. Distributes tube feedings, nourishments/supplements, fruit baskets, and birthday cakes, when ordered, to patients at the assigned times.
• Identifies menu items and describes every item on the menu, responding to inquiries regarding taste and ingredients, as appropriate.
• Checks the tray for accuracy and presentation prior to delivering to the patient. Secures any missing items or additional items requested by the patient at the time of delivery. Assists in plating food items on patients' trays during peak times, per team leader or management. Delivers trays and sets up accordingly.
• Accurately logs and tracks customer concerns on appropriate document. Utilizes appropriate patient identifiers prior to meal delivery. Ensures that patients are satisfied with all levels of service ensuring that patient is satisfied prior to leaving the room. Contributes towards improvement of department score for patient satisfaction, through peer-to-peer accountability to service standards.
• Confirms diet orders listed as "no orders" on the patient meal work sheets, including orders, which do not conform to standard diet orders, maintaining current and knowledgeable of patient diet orders and hospital menus. Reviews Insulin reports/tickets for patients on diabetic medications that require medication reminders prior to meal delivery as appropriate; contacts nursing accordingly.
• Performs quality or PI projects, as directed, which may include test trays. Ensures correct selection of meals is served to reduce waste and redundancy. Collects soiled trays from patient rooms, returns to food carts and records calorie count information on the tray tickets.
• Provides accurate documentation of work performed. Maintains an orderly work area, ensuring that supplies, equipment, parts, etc., are stored in cabinets, closets or other designated areas.
• Inventories and keeps condiments at pre-established amounts to reduce waste and stay within budgeting funds. Maintains stock of patient menus on assigned floors.
• Utilizes resources with cost effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.
• Makes recommendations to improve patient satisfaction scores through excellent room service advocacy. Assists management in developing as well as implementing process improvements for increasing patient satisfaction.
• Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an ongoing basis.

Supplemental Requirements:

• Work Attire: Uniform: Yes; Scrubs: No; Business professional: No; Other (department approved): Yes
• On Call: No
• Travel: May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No; May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital, Houston Methodist's eighth hospital, opened in the first quarter of 2025 in a prime location in the heart of the rapidly growing U.S. 290 corridor. It incorporates the most advanced technology available, featuring innovations designed to enhance communication between patients, physicians, staff and families. The facility combines state-of-the-art technology with world-class clinicians, creating an unparalleled experience for patients, employees and physicians.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.