Job Description
Position Summary: The Nutrition Assistant supports the dietary needs of residents by preparing, portioning, and serving meals in accordance with prescribed diets and individualized care plans. This role helps maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary food service environment while ensuring meals are delivered safely, accurately, and with attention to resident preferences and satisfaction. Working collaboratively with nursing and dietary team members, the Nutrition Assistant contributes to quality outcomes by following established dietary guidelines and safe food-handling practices. This position functions within a supportive, service-focused team environment and models ServiceFirst principles by promoting dignity, respect, and positive interactions with residents, families, and visitors.
Key Responsibilities: - Prepare, portion, and serve meals and beverages according to resident diet orders, texture modifications, and individualized preferences.
- Maintain a clean, sanitary, and well-organized work area by following food safety standards, proper hygiene practices, and departmental procedures.
- Deliver meals to resident dining areas or rooms, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and courteous customer service.
- Monitor and restock food, supplies, and equipment to support efficient meal service and kitchen operations.
- Communicate effectively with dietary and nursing staff regarding diet changes, resident needs, or concerns.
- Participate in ongoing training, quality improvement activities, and safety practices that support regulatory compliance and high-quality nutritional care.
Licenses and Certifications Required: - ServSafe desired, but will offer with employment
Educational Requirements: - Able to read and write Able to follow oral and written directions 16 years of age or older
Experience Requirements: - One year of hospital or previous food service experience is desired, but not required
Special Skills or Training Requirements: - Ability to recognize errors and make adjustments as needed
- Customer Service skills
Physical Requirements: The Nutrition Assistant frequently stands, walks, bends, and reaches during meal preparation, service, and cleanup activities. The role involves carrying meal trays, pushing carts, lifting food items or supplies, and operating kitchen equipment, often requiring moderate physical exertion. Adequate vision, hearing, and manual dexterity are essential for reading diet orders, portioning food safely, and communicating with residents and team members.
Environmental Requirements: This position works in kitchen and dining environments where exposure to heat, steam, cleaning chemicals, and food-service equipment is common. The role may involve handling hot items, working around sharp utensils, and navigating busy meal service periods. Adherence to infection-control protocols, food-safety procedures, and PPE requirements is essential to ensure resident and staff safety within the long-term care setting.