Job Summary
The Dietary Clerk / Dietary Aide plays a vital role in supporting the hospital's dietary services department by coordinating patient meal services, maintaining accurate diet orders, and assisting with food preparation and meal distribution. This position ensures patients receive nutritionally appropriate meals in accordance with physician orders, therapeutic diet requirements, facility policies, and all applicable regulatory standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare, assemble, and distribute meals according to prescribed dietary guidelines, therapeutic diet orders, and approved menu specifications while maintaining quality and presentation standards.
- Assist with food preparation, portion control, tray assembly, and meal service to ensure timely delivery of meals.
- Accurately process diet orders, patient menu selections, and dietary changes using computerized dietary and electronic health record (EHR) systems.
- Maintain effective communication with nursing staff, dietitians, and dietary personnel regarding patient diet needs, restrictions, allergies, and special meal requests.
- Operate computers and basic office equipment to enter, update, and retrieve patient dietary information and departmental records.
- Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of food preparation areas, kitchen equipment, dining areas, carts, and workstations in accordance with infection control and food safety regulations.
- Assist with dishwashing, bussing tables, cleaning duties, and proper storage of food and supplies.
- Follow all food handling, sanitation, safety, and infection prevention procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and facility standards.
- Monitor food temperatures and storage practices to maintain food quality and safety.
- Manage workload efficiently to meet scheduled meal service times and departmental productivity expectations.
- Participate in departmental training and continuous quality improvement initiatives as assigned.
Experience
- Previous experience as a Dietary Aide, Dietary Clerk, Food Service Worker, or in a healthcare, hospital, or long-term care food service environment is preferred.
- Experience with therapeutic diets, patient meal services, and food safety practices is beneficial.
- Familiarity with computerized dietary management systems and electronic health records is preferred.
Education/Knowledge/Skills
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Ability to read and comprehend written instructions, policies, and patient diet information.
- Ability to write legibly and perform basic mathematical calculations.
- Ability to successfully complete departmental and hospital-specific training programs.
- Knowledge of proper sanitation, food handling, and infection control procedures.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Basic computer proficiency
- Ability to work collaboratively with patients, nursing staff, dietitians, and other healthcare team members.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift throughout the workday.
- Ability to lift and carry food trays, supplies, and equipment in accordance with facility guidelines.
- Ability to work in a kitchen environment with exposure to varying temperatures and frequent movement.
Join our team and make a meaningful difference in patient care through exceptional nutritional services. We are committed to fostering a supportive work environment where your skills can grow and your career can thrive.
Work Location: In person
