Food & Nutrition Specialist

Crestmoor Care Center•Denver, CO

3d•$19 - $22

About The Position

The Food & Nutrition Specialist assists with food service functions in a long-term care or assisted living facility, following applicable federal, state, and local standards and facility policies and procedures as directed by the Food and Nutrition Services Manager. The role supports meal preparation and service, including preparing food, checking diet trays, delivering meals and snacks, and ensuring supplies are ready for upcoming meals. It also involves maintaining clean, sanitary, orderly, and safe dining and work areas; cleaning equipment, dishes, and utensils; and following health code and protective equipment requirements. The specialist interacts with residents, families, visitors, facility personnel, and medical and nursing staff, while maintaining confidentiality of resident care information. On-the-job training is provided. The position works in well-lighted and ventilated areas that may be warm and noisy, and may involve work beyond normal duty hours, weekends, temporary work in other positions, and emergency call-backs.

Requirements

Must possess at least an 8th grade education.
Must be able to use Google and Microsoft operating system platforms.
Must have knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and customer service.
Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and sometimes hostile people.
Must meet the facility's general health requirements, including a mental and physical examination.
Must be able to taste and smell food to determine its quality and palatability.
Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift at least 50 pounds to a height of at least 5 feet and move or carry that weight at least 50 feet.
May need to work beyond normal duty hours, on weekends, temporarily in other positions, and be available for emergency call-backs.
Must be able to work around potential hazards and exposures, including falls, burns, odors, dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, other air contaminants, infectious waste, diseases, and hazardous chemicals.

Responsibilities

Assist the cook in preparing palatable, appetizing meals in accordance with portion control procedures.
Set up and deliver meal trays, food carts, and other food service items to designated areas.
Help check diet trays before distribution.
Serve food in the dining room as instructed.
Ensure food and supplies for the next meal are readily available.
Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, floors, dishes, and utensils.
Remove food trays from carts and dining rooms.
Perform dishwashing and cleaning procedures.
Distribute and collect menus as necessary.
Prepare and deliver snacks as instructed.
Carry out garbage and keep work areas clean, dry, and free of hazardous equipment.
Wear protective clothing and equipment when handling infectious waste or blood and bodily fluids.
Follow dress and jewelry requirements under health code regulations.
Assist with or direct daily and scheduled cleaning duties according to established policies and procedures.
Attend and participate in mandatory facility in-service training and continuing education programs.
Participate in departmental studies and projects as assigned or needed.
Maintain confidentiality of pertinent resident care information, including protected health information.
Demonstrate care in interactions with coworkers, residents, families, and visitors.
Maintain supplies, equipment, and work areas, and regularly inspect food service areas for sanitation, order, safety, and proper performance of duties.
Communicate with medical staff, nursing staff, and other department supervisors, and coordinate with department directors to plan food services and activities.
Assist with resident evacuation during emergency situations when necessary.