PACE DIETARY AIDE

The Dietary Aide is responsible for assisting the Registered Dietitian and kitchen staff in the preparation, service, and clean-up of meals and snacks for PACE participants at the PACE Day Center(s). This role supports the delivery of safe, therapeutic, and culturally appropriate nutrition services that meet the medical, dietary, and personal needs of frail elderly participants. The Dietary Aide ensures strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and regulatory guidelines while contributing to a welcoming and respectful dining experience.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
 

• Assist the Registered Dietitian and Day Center staff in providing safe, therapeutic nutrition services in accordance with approved menus and participant care plans.
• Receive vendor-prepared food and prepare it for participant meal service following established procedures.
• Prepare, portion, plate, and serve meals, snacks, and nutritional supplements according to standardized recipes, planned menus, and dietary cards.
• Ensure all therapeutic diets (e.g., low-sodium, diabetic, pureed, mechanical soft, thickened liquids) and participant preferences are accurately followed.
• Assemble meal trays ensuring correct utensils, condiments, and dietary modifications are included.
• Observe participant food and fluid intake and promptly report significant changes, refusals, or concerns to the Registered Dietitian, nurse, or supervisor.
• Maintain strict compliance with local, state, and federal food safety and sanitation regulations, including PACE policies and procedures.
• Measure and record food temperatures upon delivery, prior to service, and at required intervals to ensure food remains within safe temperature ranges.
• Monitor and maintain temperature logs for refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ice machine, and warming equipment.
• Label, date, and properly store all perishable food items, including pre-packaged meals for home delivery.
• Ensure acceptable storage standards for all food and beverages at all times.
• Record inventory of food, dishes, silverware, kitchen, and cleaning supplies.
• Assist with ordering or purchasing supplies as needed to support meal service according to approved menus.
• Ensure food stations, beverage areas, and snack areas are stocked and available throughout the day.
• Clean and sanitize all kitchen equipment including dishes, pots, pans and utensils following dishwashing guidelines.
• Clean and sanitize all kitchen areas, including serving carts, counters, refrigerators, freezers, floors, and pantry areas
• Clean and sanitize dining tables, chairs, and serving areas immediately after meals.
• Dispose of food waste and trash according to established center procedures.
• Maintain overall cleanliness, order, and safety of the kitchen and dining areas at all times.
• Attend staff meetings, in-service training, and required educational programs.
• Utilizes Epic appropriately and efficiently and serve as content and workflow expert for resolving issues and proposing solutions in Epic.
• Performs other job duties as required by manager/supervisor.