JOB
SUMMARY:
The primary purpose of the Dietary Aide position is to provide assistance in all dietary functions as directed and to assure resident safety.
JOB
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
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 directed
JOB
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.