Dietary Aide

DIETARY AIDE OVERVIEW:

The primary purpose of your job position is to provide assistance in all food functions as directed/instructed and in accordance with established food policies and procedures.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• 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 have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level they are currently functioning.
• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing food practices.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
• HB531 | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works in well-lighted/ventilated areas. Atmosphere is warm for cooking.
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing staff, and other department supervisors.
• Works beyond normal duty hours, on weekends, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.
• Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the work day, as well as reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.
• Is subject to sudden temperature changes when entering refrigerator.
• Maintains a liaison with other department directors to adequately plan for food services/activities.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CRITERIA:

• Works with the facility’s Dietitian/Director of Food Services as necessary and implement recommended changes as required.
• Ensures that all food procedures are followed in accordance with established policies.
• Attends and participates in facility mandatory in-service training programs as scheduled (e.g., OSHA, TB, HIPAA, Abuse Prevention, etc.).
• Serves food in accordance with established portion control procedures.
• Assists in daily or scheduled cleaning duties, in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Sets up meal trays, food carts, dining room, etc., as instructed.
• Assists in checking diet trays before distribution.
• Prepares food, etc., in accordance with sanitary regulations as well as with our established policies and procedures.
• Follows established Infection Control Precautions policies and procedures when performing daily tasks.
• Assists in maintaining food storage areas in a clean and properly arranged manner at all times.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Must possess, as a minimum, a high school diploma
• On-the-job training provided.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS (WITH OR WITHOUT THE AID OF MECHANICAL DEVICES):

• 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 possess sight/hearing senses, or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with the residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• 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 relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.

May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.