Dietary Aide

Dietary AideThe primary purpose of the Dietary Aide position is to provide assistance in all dietary functions as directed and to assure resident safety.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 directedJob 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.