Dietary Director

PACS

About The Position

The Dietary Director oversees all aspects of the dietary department, including meal planning, food preparation, and service delivery. The role ensures meals are safe, nutritious, and tailored to residents’ individual needs in accordance with physician orders, approved menus, and regulatory standards. The director manages staff, maintains budget compliance, and coordinates with other departments to support resident well-being and satisfaction. The position includes overall supervision and management of dietary staff, including scheduling, training, performance evaluation, and compliance with facility policies and regulatory standards. The director also maintains required continuing education and licensing and must remain in good standing with the Department of Public Health License and Certification Division.

Requirements

Graduate of an approved dietary manager’s course meeting state and federal regulations.
Maintain required continuing education and licensing.
Remain in good standing with the Department of Public Health License and Certification Division.
Frequent standing, walking, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
Occasional sitting, climbing, stooping, kneeling, and crawling.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Frequent talking, hearing, tasting, and smelling.
Visual acuity including close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception.

Nice To Haves

Minimum one year of experience in a long-term care dietary department.
Knowledge of PCC (PointClickCare) software.

Responsibilities

Direct and participate in preparing and serving safe, appetizing meals that meet prescribed dietary needs.
Maintain food quality and portion control, and ensure compliance with approved menus and physician orders.
Manage the department budget, control costs, and order food and supplies appropriately.
Plan and assist with special meals for holidays and facility events.
Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate dietary staff; handle disciplinary actions and terminations as needed.
Ensure proper food storage and handling in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Process new diet orders and updates, and maintain accurate diet cards and resident records.
Assess resident food preferences, allergies, and nutritional risks; complete monthly nutritional notes.
Prepare staff schedules and adjust them for coverage needs.
Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen and storage environment.
Conduct regular dietary department inspections for safety and cleanliness.
Coordinate dietary services with nursing and activities departments.
Participate in Quality Assurance (QA) and Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings.
Present in-service education programs for dietary staff.
Investigate workplace injuries and implement corrective actions or retraining.
Ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Maintain department security and confidentiality of resident information.
Visit residents to conduct nutritional assessments, explain diets, and promote quality food service.
Notify the Dietitian of menu changes and document them accordingly.
Supervise and manage dietary staff, including scheduling, training, performance evaluation, and compliance with facility policies and regulatory standards.