Position Summary
The Dietary Aide supports the Dietary Services Department in providing high-quality nutritional care to residents in a skilled nursing and long-term care environment. This position assists with meal preparation, tray assembly, meal service, sanitation, and infection control practices while ensuring compliance with facility policies, physician-ordered diets, state and federal regulations, and resident-centered care principles.
The Dietary Aide plays a vital role in promoting resident satisfaction, nutritional well-being, and quality of life by delivering meals accurately, safely, and respectfully.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare, portion, and serve food in accordance with approved menus, therapeutic diet orders, and standardized recipes.
- Assemble resident meal trays accurately according to physician orders and dietary restrictions.
- Review tray cards, diet lists, and meal tickets to ensure proper meal service.
- Deliver and collect meal trays in a timely and courteous manner.
- Assist residents with meal setup and provide dining support as appropriate.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen, dish room, dining room, and food storage areas.
- Wash dishes, utensils, cookware, and food service equipment following established sanitation procedures.
- Follow infection prevention and control practices, including proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and cleaning/disinfection protocols.
- Monitor food temperatures and document required logs in accordance with food safety standards.
- Properly store, label, date, and rotate food products using FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures.
- Report resident food preferences, concerns, refusals, and observations to supervisory staff as appropriate.
- Assist with inventory management, stocking supplies, and receiving deliveries.
- Support special events, resident activities, and holiday meal services.
- Participate in department meetings, in-service training, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Perform all duties in accordance with facility policies, CMS regulations, OSHA standards, and state survey requirements.
Compliance and Regulatory Responsibilities
- Adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations governing food service operations in long-term care facilities.
- Maintain survey readiness by ensuring compliance with dietary services standards and infection control requirements.
- Follow resident rights policies and maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Support the facility's Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program.
- Participate in emergency preparedness procedures and disaster meal service operations as directed.
QualificationsEducation
- High School Diploma or GED preferred.
Experience
- Previous experience in food service, healthcare, long-term care, rehabilitation, or skilled nursing preferred.
- Experience working with therapeutic diets and resident meal service is preferred.
Certifications
- Current Food Handler Permit or ability to obtain within required timeframe.
- ServSafe certification preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and infection prevention practices.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
- Ability to read and interpret diet cards, tray tickets, and production sheets.
- Strong customer service skills with a commitment to resident-centered care.
- Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
- Demonstrates compassion, professionalism, and respect when interacting with residents, families, and staff.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
- Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, and stooping.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The facility is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Department: Dietary Services
Reports To: Dietary Manager / Food Service Director
Setting: Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) / Long-Term Care (LTC) Facility
Work Location: In person
