Dietary Aid

The Dietary Aide is responsible for providing assistance in all dietary functions as directed/instructed and in accordance with established dietary policies and procedures.

Essential Job Functions:

Administrative Functions

- Work with the facility's dietitian as necessary and implement recommend changes as required.

- Ensure that all dietary procedures are followed in accordance with established policies. Others as deemed necessary and appropriate, or as may be directed.

Dietary Service

- Serve meals that are palatable and appetizing in appearance.

- Assist in serving meals as necessary and on a timely basis.

- Serve food in accordance with established portion control procedures.

- Assist in daily or scheduled cleaning duties, in accordance with established policies and procedures.

- Clean work tables, meat blocks, refrigerators/freezers, etc.

- Sweep and mop floors as directed.

- Carry soiled utensils, 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, etc., are readily available for next meal.

- Remove food trays from carts, dining rooms, etc., and take to dishwashing area.

- Prepare and deliver snacks, etc., as instructed.

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.

- Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, etc.

- 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 to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.

- Is subject to sudden temperature changes when entering refrigerator.

- May be exposed to heat/cold temperatures in kitchen/storage area.

- Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.

- Maintain a liaison with other department supervisors to adequately plan for dietary services/activities.

- May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Miscellaneous

- Make only authorized food substitutions.

- Assist in food preparation for special meals, for parties, etc.