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 diet orders, texture modifications, and individual preferences. • Prepare meals for dining areas or resident rooms with accuracy, timeliness, and courteous service. • Maintain clean, sanitary, and organized work areas in compliance with food safety, hygiene, and infection control standards. • Monitor and restock food, supplies, and equipment to support efficient meal service operations. • Communicate effectively with dietary and nursing staff regarding diet changes, resident needs, and service concerns. • Participate in training, quality improvement activities, and safety initiatives to support regulatory compliance and service excellence.
Knowledge of basic food preparation and therapeutic diet requirements
Food safety, sanitation, and infection control awareness
Attention to detail and accuracy in meal service
Effective communication and customer service skills
Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-based environment
Licenses and Certifications Required:
• Prefers food handlers permit.
Educational Requirements:
• Preferably possesses a High School Diploma or equivalent. • Able to read and write English, able to follow oral and written directions, and 16 years of age or older.
Experience Requirements:
• Has a working knowledge of the importance of the various therapeutic and consistency altered diets and their preparation. • Possesses skills in food preparation, food service, food safety and sanitation skills. • Working knowledge of kitchen utensils and food preparation equipment. • Preferably have experience and knowledge in food service and sanitation and food safety.
Special Skills or Training Requirements:
• Ability to work independently and under direct supervision. • Ability to satisfy customers' needs and desires (within the facility polices/procedures). • Good oral and written communication skills. • Basic knowledge of local, state and federal regulations related to food, sanitation, food safety, food service etc. • Basic computer skills. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. • Requires the ability to cooperate with supervisor, department heads and other staff.
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.