Dietary Director

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the dietary department at assigned facility. In addition, ensures quality food is prepared each day and all food safety regulations are followed.

JOB-SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Service 

o Consistently supports and communicates the Mission, Vision, and Values of Nexus Health Systems 

o Upholds the Standards of conduct and corporate compliance 

o Demonstrates honest behavior in all matters. To the best of the employee’s knowledge and understanding, complies with all Federal and State laws and regulations. 

o Maintains the privacy and security of all confidential and protected health information. Uses and discloses only that information which is necessary to perform the function of the job. 

o Adheres to all Nexus Health Systems policies on Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), designed to prevent or detect unauthorized disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) 

o Collaborates effectively with colleagues and other departments to ensure seamless service delivery. 

o Direct all dietary department staff. 

o Responsible for the Dietary Staff schedule. 

o Interview, hire, train, supervise, evaluate and discipline dietary personnel 

o Works safely with all equipment and duties.

o Demonstrates flexibility in working hours and days scheduled in order to meet the needs of the department.

o Is placed on call as requested by supervisor.

• Excellence 

o Adheres to Food Safety Manual regarding any and all food preparation practices.

o Ensures clean-up of kitchen/cafeteria and equipment on a daily basis, including sweeping, mopping and garbage.

o Ensures proper stocking, cleaning, and documentation of refrigerator temperatures in patient nutritional areas.

o Keeps work area clean and free of hazardous equipment.

o Assists with all meal transport as needed.

o Utilizes time efficiently and completes duties without sacrificing quality of work.

o Responsible for helping set up special functions or meals that the dietary department is ask to participate in.

o Ensures that there are clean serving trays in the dining room at all times during serving times.

• Patient Experience and Advocacy 

o Ensures that all meal presentations are well prepared and garnished 

o Ensures utensils and serving equipment/dishes are clean and ready for next meal service.

o Assists with checking of meal trays for accuracy.

o Prepares and serves special diet orders (such as pureed, low sodium, mechanically soft, cold food preparation, etc.)

o Addresses patients, staff and visitors with warmth and respect.

o Assists the cook with meal preparation as needed.

o Provides A.M. formulas according to written recipes and following proscribed methods of sanitation.

• Quality Assurance and Compliance 

o Trains dietary staff on job-specific duties and completing competencies.

o Responsible for making sure that all dietary employees are completing their daily tasks

o Define daily task and assignments for dietary staff

o Monitor equipment and work areas to verify they are maintained in a clean, safe and orderly manner, maintain strict adherence to procedures regarding cleaners or hazardous materials or objects, verify universal precautions and infection control, isolation, fire , safety and sanitation practices and procedures are followed, and promptly address any hazardous conditions and equipment

o Ensures that all new employees have completed their new hire competency checklist

o Ensures that all corrective actions forms are prepared when needed

o Responsible for making sure that the dining room is clean and presentable for each meal

• Professional Growth and Continuing Education

o Follows facility policies and procedures regarding proper sanitation, safety and infection control as mandated by the Texas Department of Health.

• Finance

o Assists Corporate and Facility management in assuring that adequate levels of food supplies are maintained including appropriate storage and rotating of supplies.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

• Must have high school diploma or equivalent

• Associates degree in culinary arts, Bachelors Degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in nutrition services, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role

SKILLS: 

• Demonstrated expertise in clinical nutrition, food service operations, and regulatory compliance

• Strong financial acumen with budget management experience

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team leadership skills

• Basic computer skills (word, outlook, excel) required.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Food Handlers Certification required

• Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) preferred.

• Must have a valid driver’s license