Dietary Aide

Dietary Aide

The Dietary Aide assists with the preparation, serving, and delivery of meals to residents in the long-term care facility. The Dietary Aide is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in the kitchen and dining areas, following food safety regulations, and ensuring residents receive meals according to their prescribed diets and individual preferences. The Dietary Aide is expected to provide courteous, respectful, and dependable service while supporting the nutritional needs and overall well-being of residents.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Meal Preparation and Service

• Assist with preparing food items, beverages, snacks, and desserts as directed.
• Prepare and set up trays according to resident meal tickets and diet orders.
• Ensure residents receive the correct meals, portions, and prescribed diet textures.
• Follow instructions for therapeutic diets, food allergies, and other dietary restrictions.
• Assist with tray line setup, plating, garnishing, and portion control.
• Deliver meal trays and nourishment to designated areas as assigned.
• Serve meals in a timely and courteous manner.
• Assist with dining room setup and cleanup.
• Report missing meals, incorrect trays, or resident food concerns to the supervisor.

Food Safety and Sanitation

• Follow all facility policies, food safety procedures, and applicable health regulations.
• Maintain proper hot and cold food holding temperatures.
• Use thermometers as directed to check food temperatures.
• Wash hands properly and follow personal hygiene requirements.
• Wear appropriate uniforms and protective equipment as required.
• Label and date food items according to facility policy.
• Store food properly and prevent cross-contamination.
• Clean and sanitize work surfaces, equipment, utensils, carts, and food preparation areas.
• Wash dishes and utensils according to established procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and dining environment.

Resident Care and Customer Service

• Treat all residents with dignity, respect, patience, and courtesy.
• Respect residents' food preferences and cultural needs when possible.
• Report concerns regarding residents' poor intake, refusal of meals, or difficulty eating to the appropriate nursing or dietary staff.
• Follow facility procedures for meal delivery and resident assistance.
• Maintain resident confidentiality at all times.
• Communicate resident concerns and special dietary needs to the supervisor.

General Responsibilities

• Follow assigned work schedules and report to work on time.
• Complete assigned duties during each shift.
• Follow instructions from the Dietary Manager, Food Service Director, and designated supervisors.
• Report equipment malfunctions, unsafe conditions, and food safety concerns promptly.
• Participate in required staff training and in-service education.
• Follow facility policies, infection control procedures, and workplace safety rules.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work cooperatively with dietary, nursing, and other facility staff.
• Ability to maintain a clean and sanitary work environment.
• Ability to follow food safety and sanitation procedures.
• Good communication, organization, and customer service skills.
• Previous food service experience preferred but not required.
• Must complete required facility orientation and training.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull food supplies, meal trays, and equipment within facility guidelines.
• Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive tasks.
• Ability to work in a kitchen environment with varying temperatures.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.