Dietary Aide (3418)

Job Summary - 

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Nutritional Services, the Dietary Aide performs a variety of patient food service and dish duties.

Regulatory Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent preferred.
• Must have reliable transportation.

Language Skills

• Ability to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages preferred.

Skills

• Basic computer knowledge.

Qualifications 

• High school graduate or equivalent preferred.
• Must have reliable transportation.

Preferred Skills

• Ability to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Physical Demand

Physical Demands

• Physical posture/mobility: Frequent standing and walking throughout shift (6–12 hours cumulative); ability to move quickly between departments and climb stairs as needed.
• Lifting/carrying: Frequent lifting and carrying supplies and equipment up to 50 lbs; occasional heavier lifts  up to 75 lbs with assistance or equipment.
• Pushing/pulling: Frequent pushing and pulling; forces may exceed 50–100+ lbs when using mechanical assistance.
• Manual dexterity: Frequent gross and fine motor skills for handling tools, cleaning equipment, small parts, trays, and supplies; bilateral hand use required.
• Repetitive motion: Repetitive bending, twisting, reaching, and hand/wrist movements for cleaning, stocking, and equipment operation.
• Postural demands: Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching overhead, and climbing on step stools or ladders for maintenance or stocking tasks.
• Balance/coordination: Ability to maintain balance and coordinate movements when carrying objects, operating machines, or working on wet/slippery surfaces.
• Vision: Visual acuity sufficient for reading labels, instructions, equipment controls, and detecting spills or hazards; color discrimination.
• Hearing/speech: Ability to hear alarms, verbal instructions, and communicate clearly with staff and patients.
• Environmental tolerance: Regular exposure to varying temperatures, noise, cleaning chemicals, dust, bodily fluids, and biohazardous waste; must be able to wear required PPE (gloves, masks, gowns, respirators) and follow infection-control procedures.
• Safety/physical demands: Ability to follow safe lifting techniques, use mechanical aids, and adhere to hazard protocols; work may involve slippery floors and confined spaces.
• Cognitive/attention: Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, prioritize tasks, complete checklists, and maintain attention to detail under interruptions.
• Work schedule/endurance: Ability to work full shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, rotating shifts, and occasional overtime or emergency call-ins.
• Certifications/skills: May require competency in equipment operation, safe handling of chemicals, and infection control procedures.

Note: Reasonable accommodations will be considered for qualified individuals with disabilities if essential job functions can be performed safely.