Dietary Aide Job Description

A dietary aide is a job typically found in a healthcare setting, such as hospitals and nursing homes. They are responsible for preparing and serving meals, stocking food supplies and ensuring the cleanliness of the kitchen and dining area.

• Preparing and serving meals according to dietary guidelines.
• Assisting with meal planning and menu selection.
• Monitoring food intake and providing nutritional counseling.
• Cleaning and sanitizing kitchen and dining areas.
• Recording and maintaining accurate records of food and beverage consumption.
• Assisting with food shopping and stocking of supplies.
• Ensuring proper storage of food items.
• Monitoring expiration dates and discarding expired food items.
• Assisting with food preparation and serving.
• Assisting with special diets and food allergies.

• Compassion – A dietary aide should be caring and compassionate when dealing with elderly or disabled patients.
• Attention to Detail – A dietary aide should be able to accurately follow instructions and pay attention to detail when preparing meals.
• Organization – A dietary aide should be able to organize their work in order to efficiently complete tasks.
• Communication Skills – A dietary aide should be able to communicate effectively with patients, staff, and supervisors.
• Flexibility – A dietary aide should be able to adapt to changing schedules and work environments.
• Interpersonal Skills – A dietary aide should be able to work well with others and build relationships with patients.
• Time Management – A dietary aide should be able to manage their time effectively in order to complete tasks on time.

A dietary aide's main duty is to prepare and serve meals to patrons of hospitals, nursing homes, schools, or other institutions. On a day-to-day basis, a dietary aide typically assists in the kitchen with meal preparation, food serving, and cleanup. They also stock the kitchen with inventory and supplies, check expiration dates on food products and ensure that food is stored correctly. In addition, dietary aides ensure that the assigned dining area is clean and orderly and that all safety and sanitation laws are followed. They may also help plan, prepare, and serve meals that meet dietary requirements for special diets. Finally, a dietary aide is responsible for documenting all activities throughout the day, such as meal counts, temperatures, and food waste.

A dietary aide, also known as a dietary assistant or a food service worker, works in a food service or health care setting to help prepare meals and snacks. Dietary aides will have a basic knowledge of nutrition and food preparation, and may also be responsible for cleaning and sterilizing kitchen equipment. Although experience as a dietary aide is preferable, there are many roles and industries that are compatible with becoming a dietary aide. Examples include:

• Line Cook
• Food Preparer
• Dishwasher
• Busser
• Waitstaff
• Food Processing Worker
• Cashier
• Delivery Driver
• Grocery Store Clerk
• Bartender