Dietary Aide - PD7.5

GREENFIELD HEALTH AND REHABILITATION•Lancaster, NY

62d•$16 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Dietary Aide works in a skilled care and rehabilitation facility, helping provide residents with safe, nutritious meals and beverages and a comfortable, positive dining experience. The role contributes to residents’ wellbeing, recovery, and quality of life in a team-focused environment. The position is per diem, with a scheduled shift of 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and an every-other-weekend rotation. The Dietary Aide prepares and serves meals, beverages, and desserts according to portion, consistency, and food-safety requirements; accommodates residents’ needs, including special diets and thickened liquids; and keeps kitchen, equipment, and dining areas clean and sanitary. The role also includes safe operation of kitchen equipment, respectful interaction with residents and others, participation in ongoing training, and adherence to facility policies and procedures. Work takes place in a well-lit, ventilated area and may involve interruptions, temporary work in other positions, work beyond normal hours, or emergency call-backs.

Requirements

Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
Must be able to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant.
Must be able to deal tactfully with staff, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies or staff, and the public.
Must be knowledgeable about practices and procedures, laws, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to long-term care.
Must be able to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret department programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures necessary for quality care.
Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition, enthusiasm, and willingness to handle challenging residents or associates.
Must be willing to seek out new methods and incorporate them into existing practices.
Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others in the workplace.
Must attend and participate in continuing educational programs.
Must be able to stand for extended periods, lift trays, and perform light cleaning tasks.
Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday and cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
Must meet the facility’s general health requirements.
Must have adequate sight and hearing, with or without prosthetics, to fulfill the position’s requirements.
Must be able to push, pull, move, or lift at least 50 pounds and climb stairs.
Must be able to work the stated 3:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. shift, including an every-other-weekend rotation.

Nice To Haves

Experience in food service or hospitality, especially in healthcare or senior living settings.
Strong communication skills and ability to interact respectfully with residents, families, and staff.
Compassion and patience when assisting elderly residents, including those with mobility or cognitive challenges.
Ability to consistently follow safety and sanitation guidelines.

Responsibilities

Safely operate and maintain kitchen equipment, including ovens, steam wells, microwaves, coffee systems, and dishwashers.
Prepare and serve meals, beverages, and desserts while following proper portion sizes, consistencies, and food-safety standards.
Use adaptive equipment to meet residents’ needs and assist with special diets or thickened liquids.
Maintain clean and sanitary work areas, equipment, and dining spaces.
Support training of new team members and attend ongoing in-service and continuing education programs.
Follow proper handwashing, glove-use, and safe food-handling practices.
Present meals neatly, including proper garnishing and plating.
Follow dress code, attendance, and safety policies while promoting residents’ wellbeing.
Communicate and interact tactfully with residents, families, staff, visitors, government agencies, and the public.
Maintain rapport with residents and their families and communicate with staff and other department supervisors.
Make independent decisions when circumstances warrant and incorporate appropriate new methods into existing practices.
Assist with resident evacuation during emergencies when necessary.