DIET CLERK

Covenant Health; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, part of Covenant Health, is seeking a Food Service Worker / Diet Clerk to join Food Services on a full-time basis. This role supports patient meal service, processes requests, and coordinates with nursing staff.

The position requires a high school diploma, basic office skills, and reliable clerical ability. It offers variable shifts, with 80 hours per pay period, and opportunities to work closely with clinical dietitians and care teams.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required with basic English, math, and grammar.
• Able to read, write legibly, and perform simple arithmetic.
• Excellent telephone skills and reliable in a clerical role.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary communication point between patients, nursing staff, and Food Services.
• Accurately process meal requests per patient diets.
• Answer calls and take patient meal orders in the department’s format.
• Maintain patient food preferences and place meal orders.
• Prepare nourishments and supplements as directed.
• Generate reports as needed.

Skills

Telephone skills

Clerical tasks

Reading and writing

Office equipment

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Phone system

Office software

Job description

Food Service Worker | Diet Clerk, Food Services

Full Time, 80 hours Per Pay Period, Variable Shifts

Methodist Overview

Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge , part of Covenant Health, is a trusted regional hospital serving East Tennessee with advanced care and a personal touch. With more than 30 specialties, including cardiology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and vascular care, the facility offers innovative treatments for complex conditions like aneurysms, joint damage, heart failure, and chronic wounds. Backed by a team of over 1,000 healthcare professionals and 250 physicians, Methodist Medical Center combines state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care, earning national recognition for patient safety and excellence in stroke and heart care. Our facilities offer patients all the benefits of medical expertise and innovation while still embodying the convenience of a hometown medical center that is close to the support of family and friends.

Food Service Worker | Diet Clerk, Food Services

Full Time, 80 hours Per Pay Period, Variable Shifts

Methodist Overview

Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge , part of Covenant Health, is a trusted regional hospital serving East Tennessee with advanced care and a personal touch. With more than 30 specialties, including cardiology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and vascular care, the facility offers innovative treatments for complex conditions like aneurysms, joint damage, heart failure, and chronic wounds. Backed by a team of over 1,000 healthcare professionals and 250 physicians, Methodist Medical Center combines state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care, earning national recognition for patient safety and excellence in stroke and heart care. Our facilities offer patients all the benefits of medical expertise and innovation while still embodying the convenience of a hometown medical center that is close to the support of family and friends.

Job Objectives

To serve as the primary point of communication between patients, nursing staff, and others and Food Services department; and to accurately process meal requests as ordered, ensuring the patient’s special diet needs are met.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals in response to new diets, diet changes, tube feedings, or supplements for patient trays accurately; Refers meal requests and questions to the clinical dietitians when unable to process or answer accurately;
• Visits patients in their room or answers telephone appropriately utilizing the department’s written format for taking patient meal orders, and utilizing customer service skills as established by MMC. Performs all clerical tasks correctly and attentively;
• Collects and maintains food preferences for patients and places meal orders; and contacts patients who have not placed meal orders.
• Prepares nourishments and supplements,
• Generates reports as needed.
• NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Other duties as assigned.
• HEALTH/SAFETY/COMPETENCE: Cannot pose a direct threat to health or safety of self or others. Must provide safe, efficient, competent care to customer or patient population. Must demonstrate competency of the functions described in the performance continuum and skills list.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

A high school diploma or its equivalent is required, with course work to include English, mathematics and grammar. Must be able to read with comprehension, write legibly and perform simple arithmetic calculations. Must be familiar with general office practices such as accurate filing and effective general office machine usage, and must possess excellent telephone skills. Must be capable of performing repetitive clerical tasks on a continuous basis. Must show good judgment and reliability and be able to work without direct supervision.

Experience

A minimum of six months’ experience in a clerical position is preferred.

Licensure/Certifications

None is required