Director of Dining Services

Elderwood•Williamsville, NY

About The Position

The Director of Dining Services oversees, organizes, plans, directs, controls, and supervises the dining services department and its personnel. The role manages daily operations across the kitchen, dish room, food storage areas, and dining rooms, ensuring food preparation and meal service comply with applicable regulations, best practices, policies, and procedures. The Director works with the Director of Nutritional Services on menus and recipe development, maintains inventory within budget, follows purchasing practices, and monitors audits and performance improvement initiatives. The position participates in care plan and staff meetings, in-service programs, and other relevant meetings; performs department duties when needed; communicates with residents and families about meal service; and maintains knowledge of applicable federal and state requirements for food service in post-acute care. The Director evaluates dining services staff, may serve as a preceptor for dietetic or food service students and interns, and conducts in-service programs when requested. The role also requires adherence to the organization’s mission, values, code of conduct, corporate compliance requirements, and HIPAA policies, as well as performance of other assigned duties.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or higher in Food Service Management, or in Hospitality with coursework that includes food service or restaurant management, from an accredited institution; or Certified Dietary Manager; or Certified Food Service Manager.
Three years of supervisory experience.
At least one year of experience in a health care setting.
Working knowledge of CMS and DOH regulations related to food service.
Intermediate or higher ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the QIS survey process.
Computer skills and knowledge of nutritional software programs.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily dining services operations, including the kitchen, dish room, food storage areas, and dining rooms.
Ensure food preparation and meal service adhere to state regulations, best practices, policies, and procedures.
Work with the Director of Nutritional Services on menus and recipe development.
Maintain food and non-food inventory within budgetary limits and follow established purchasing practices.
Conduct routine audits and monitor food service performance improvement initiatives.
Attend, lead, and participate in resident care plan meetings, staff meetings, in-service programs, and other appropriate meetings or programs.
Perform the job functions of department positions when necessary.
Communicate regularly with residents and family members regarding meal service.
Maintain working knowledge of federal regulations and State Department of Health codes and rules for meal service in post-acute care.
Ensure proper food preparation, maintenance, and service in accordance with state rules and regulations.
Serve as a preceptor for dietetic and/or food service students and interns.
Conduct in-service programs for dietary and facility staff upon request.
Evaluate the performance of Dining Services staff.
Abide by the organization’s and affiliates’ mission, vision, values, code of conduct, corporate compliance, and HIPAA policies.
Perform other duties as assigned.