Dietary Aide

DIETARY AIDE

The primary purpose of the Dietary Aide position is to provide assistance in all dietary functions as directed.

Administrative Functions

Work with the facility's dietary manager and dietitian as necessary and implement recommendations.

Ensure that all dietary procedures are followed according to facility policies.

Dietary Service Functions

Prepare meals that are tasty and appetizing in appearance.

Assist in serving meals as necessary and on a timely basis.

Serve food according to established portion and control procedures.

Work in various line functions as assigned.

Assist in daily or scheduled cleaning duties as assigned.

Clean worktables, meat blocks, refrigerators/freezers, etc.

Sweep and mop floors as directed.

Carry soiled utensils, dishes, glass, etc. to wash area.

Return clean utensils to proper storage areas.

Wash and clean utensils as directed.

Carry out garbage and keep work areas clean, dry and free of hazardous equipment, supplies, etc.

Set up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc. as instructed.

Assist cook in preparing meals.

Distribute and collect menus as necessary.

Obtain food supplies for next meal.

Assist in checking diet trays before distribution.

Deliver food carts, trays, etc., to designated areas.

Serve food in dining room as instructed.

Perform dishwashing/cleaning procedures. Assure that utensils, dishes, glasses, etc. are ready for next meal.

Remove food trays from carts, dining rooms, etc. and take to dishwashing area.

Prepare and deliver snacks, etc. as instructed.

Make only authorized food substitutions.

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

Personnel Functions

Develop and maintain a good working relationship with fellow dietary personnel and also with other department associates to assure that food service can be properly maintained to meet the 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.

Safety and Sanitation Functions

Prepare food, etc. according to sanitary regulations and facility policies and procedures.

Follow safety regulations and precautions at all times.

Follow established Infection Control and Universal Precautions policies and procedures when performing daily tasks.

Ensure that the department is maintained in a clean and safe manner by assuring that necessary equipment and supplies are maintained.

Report all hazardous conditions/equipment to your supervisor immediately.

Report all accidents/incidents to your supervisor on the shift in which they occur.

Assist in maintaining food storage areas in a clean and properly arranged manner at all times.

Dispose of food and waste according to facility policies.

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

Report missing or unreadable MSDSs to your supervisor.

Equipment and Supply Functions

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

Assist in inventory and storing of in-coming food, supplies, etc. as necessary.

Resident Rights Responsibilities

Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent resident care information.

Knock before entering a resident's room.

Report complaints to the Dietary Manager.

Working Conditions

Works in food preparation area as well as throughout the dietary service areas. Atmosphere is warm for cooking.

May experience temporary exposure to cold temperatures in the refrigerator/freezer.

May be exposed to heat/cold temperatures in kitchen/storage areas.

Moves intermittently during work hours.

Is subject to frequent interruptions.

Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, under all conditions and circumstances.

Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel and visitors.

Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel and other department supervisors.

Works beyond normal working hours and in other positions temporarily, when necessary. Works on weekends and holidays when necessary.

Is subject to callback during emergency conditions.

Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday, as well as to reactions from dust, plastics, synthetics, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other potential contaminants.

Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.

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

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

Maintains a liaison with the resident, their families, support departments, etc. to adequately plan for the residents' needs.

Staff Development Functions

Participate in departmental projects as assigned.

Attend in-service programs and on-the-job training classes as directed

Job Requirements:

Education

Must possess, as a minimum, a tenth (10th) grade education.

High School diploma or GED preferred.

Experience

On-the-job training provided.

Some experience in food service helpful.

Specific Requirements

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

Must display professionalism both in appearance and attitude.

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

Must genuinely care for and understand the elderly and disabled.

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

Must possess the ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.

Must have patience, tact, a positive disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult people.

Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.

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.

Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing dietary practices.

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

Physical and Sensory Requirements

Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

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 be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

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

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

Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at time hostile people within the facility.

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

Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of five (5) pounds to a minimum height of three (3) feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of five (5) feet.

Must be able to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.

Sitting: 1 hour per 8-hour shift. Alternates frequently to standing or walking.

Standing: 1-2 hours per 8-hour shift. Alternates frequently to walking and occasionally to sitting.

Walking: 5-6 hours per 8 hour shift. Alternates frequently to standing and occasionally to sitting.