Dietary Aide

JOB SUMMARY:

The Dietary Aide supports the dietary team in providing nutritious, appealing meals and excellent dining service to residents in a skilled nursing and/or assisted living community. This role is essential in creating a positive dining experience while ensuring meals are served safely, accurately, and in accordance with dietary guidelines and resident preferences.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with meal service, including tray assembly, delivery, and pickup.
• Ensure all meals are served according to diet cards, tray tickets, and dietary restrictions.
• Provide friendly, respectful service to residents during meal times.
• Assist residents as needed with opening containers, positioning trays, and general dining support.
• Set up and clean dining rooms before and after meals.
• Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment following proper sanitation procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen, serving areas, and dining spaces.
• Stock supplies, beverages, and condiments as needed.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection control procedures.
• Communicate resident concerns, preferences, or changes in appetite to nursing or dietary staff.
• Assist with special events, snacks, and between-meal nourishment programs.
• Support food prep tasks such as portioning, plating, and simple meal assembly.
• Ensure proper labeling, dating, and storage of food items.
• Assist with receiving and storing deliveries.
• Participate in dietary meetings or trainings as assigned.
• Help maintain accurate records (e.g., meal counts, sanitation logs).
• Support emergency meal service during power outages or unexpected situations.
• Perform other duties as assigned or needed.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience in food service or healthcare preferred, but not required.
• Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.