Dietary Aide Job Description

Location: Skilled Nursing Facility
Department: Dietary Services
Reports To: Dietary Manager / Dietary Supervisor
Position Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, and PRN Opportunities Available
Pay Range: $15.50 – $17.00 per hour (DOE)

Position Summary

The Dietary Aide plays an essential role in providing nutritious meals and excellent customer service to residents in a skilled nursing facility. This position assists with meal preparation, tray assembly, meal service, dishwashing, sanitation, and maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment while following all federal, state, and facility regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing and serving meals, snacks, and beverages according to standardized recipes and dietary requirements.
• Assemble meal trays accurately according to physician-ordered diets and resident preferences.
• Deliver meals to dining rooms and resident rooms in a timely and courteous manner.
• Ensure residents receive the correct meals and report concerns or changes in appetite to nursing or dietary leadership.
• Wash dishes, utensils, pots, pans, and kitchen equipment using proper sanitation procedures.
• Clean and sanitize food preparation areas, dining rooms, workstations, and equipment.
• Stock food, supplies, and service areas as needed.
• Properly label, store, and rotate food items using FIFO (First In, First Out) practices.
• Follow infection control procedures, food safety standards, and proper hand hygiene at all times.
• Dispose of waste appropriately and maintain a safe, organized work environment.
• Assist with special events, holiday meals, and catering functions within the facility.
• Work cooperatively with cooks, nursing staff, and other departments to provide exceptional resident care.
• Attend required trainings and comply with facility policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Dietary Manager or supervisor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous food service or healthcare experience is preferred but not required.
• Ability to read and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices is preferred.
• Must obtain and maintain any required food handler certification as required by state or local regulations.
• Demonstrates compassion, professionalism, and excellent customer service skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull up to 30 pounds; occasionally up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to work in varying kitchen temperatures and around hot equipment.
• Must be able to safely operate kitchen equipment and cleaning supplies.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced skilled nursing and rehabilitation setting.
• Frequent interaction with elderly residents, visitors, and interdisciplinary staff.
• Weekend, holiday, and flexible scheduling may be required.

Benefits (for eligible employees)

• Competitive pay: $15.50–$17.00 per hour DOE
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee assistance program
• Career advancement and training opportunities

Why Join Our Team?

As a Dietary Aide, you help make every resident’s day better by ensuring they receive safe, nutritious, and enjoyable meals in a welcoming environment. Your work directly supports resident health, comfort, and quality of life while being part of a collaborative healthcare team.

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The Colorado Job Application Fairness Act (JAFA) prohibits employers from asking prospective employees to disclose any age-related information.  Therefore, Colorado applicants are not required to disclose their age, date of birth, dates of schooling or graduation, or other age-related information.  Furthermore, Colorado applicants may wish to redact age-related information from their application materials, such as resumes or schooling transcripts.