Diet Clerk- Baton Rouge Rehab Hospital

Baton Rouge General; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in healthcare is seeking a dedicated Nutritional Care Liaison to bridge communication between nursing units and the Nutritional Care Department. This role is vital in ensuring patients receive their meals accurately and on time, while also maintaining high standards of food safety and sanitation. You will be responsible for managing food orders, preparing patient trays, and ensuring a pleasant dining experience for patients. If you have a passion for nutrition and excellent communication skills, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in patient care.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; certification in nutrition preferred.
• Strong communication and customer service skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Act as a liaison between nursing and Nutritional Care for patient menus.
• Set up tray line and prepare patient trays according to schedules.
• Maintain a safe and sanitary work area at all times.

Skills

Nutritional Care Knowledge

Communication Skills

Customer Service

Food Safety Practices

Time Management

Education

High School Diploma

Certification in Nutrition or Food Service

Tools

Cash Register

Kitchen Equipment

Job description

JOB PURPOSE OR MISSION: Liaison between nursing units and the Nutritional Care Department regarding patient menus, Clinical Nutrition Service, diet changes, and general nutritional care service. Develops menu tallies for food production, NPO patients, supplements, nourishments, and nutritional care floor supplies; completes daily meal log. Performs duties for the age population served, as defined in the department’s scope of service.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS include, but are not limited to:

1. Functions as liaison between nursing units and Nutritional Care.

   PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

   • Receives food orders by phone, computer, or other means.
   • Completes daily meal log accurately and within established timeframes.
   • Works closely with nursing units to ensure patient orders are received and processed effectively.
   • Utilizes knowledge of patient needs to determine when follow-up is needed from nursing to clarify or complete orders.
2. Performs Hostess duties as needed.

   PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

   • Completes patient menu selection assignment within designated time frame.
   • Compiles menu information for use by kitchen personnel in food preparation.
   • Notifies Clinical Nutritionist of any patient concerns.
3. Sets up tray line and prepares patient trays in accordance with established schedule and procedures.

   PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

   • Sets up tray line according to established procedures and ensures proper temperatures of food under refrigeration and in steam tables.
   • Places appropriate food on trays according to menu and medical nutrition requirements 100% of the time.
   • Serves food in accordance with established portion control procedures.
   • Consistently checks completed trays for appearance and arrangement.
4. Maintains working area according to established infection control/safety policies.

   PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

   • Maintains a safe and sanitary work area at all times.
   • Utilizes kitchen equipment appropriately and safely.
   • Follows proper procedures and uses aseptic techniques for isolation patients.
   • Observes sanitation procedures before handling utensils and food items.
5. Receives, records, and balances cash or charge payments from customers.

   PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

   • Greets each customer in a pleasant and respectful manner and displays courtesy at all times.
   • Calculates total cost of items and accepts payment in cash, meal ticket, charge card, or other allowable method with 100% accuracy.
   • Compares totals on cash register with amounts of currency in register to verify balances at end of each shift.
   • Follows all departmental and organizational policies and procedures regarding handling of funds.
6. Performs all other duties as assigned.