Dietary Aid - Server

VICARS LANDING; Palm Valley (FL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Vicar's Landing in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL is seeking a Dietary Aide to create a positive dining experience for residents in an assisted living and memory care setting. You will combine traditional waitstaff duties with Montessori-based care, seating residents, serving meals, and supporting their independence.

You will work closely with nursing staff to follow dietary plans, respond to residents' needs with patience and empathy, and help maintain a clean, safe dining environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in food service, hospitality, or healthcare preferred.
• Experience working with older adults or individuals with dementia is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Set up dining rooms prior to meal service, ensuring a clean, organized environment.
• Greet residents warmly and assist with seating as needed.
• Take meal orders accurately and serve food and beverages in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate knowledge of menu options, including therapeutic diets and special accommodations.
• Clear tables, reset dining areas, and maintain cleanliness throughout service.
• Follow proper food safety and sanitation guidelines at all times.

Skills

Detail-oriented procedures

Organizational skills

Compassionate mindset

Team player in fast-paced env

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Oak Bridge - Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Position Type: Full Time

Job Category: Restaurant - Food Service

JOB SUMMARY

The Dietary Aide plays a vital role in creating a positive, engaging, and supportive dining experience for residents in an assisted living and memory care setting. This position combines traditional waitstaff responsibilities with a person-centered approach rooted in Montessori principles. Dietary Aides not only serve meals but also actively participate in the dining experience by sitting with residents, fostering social connection, encouraging independence, and supporting residents’ dignity and choice.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Harvesting Operations:

• Set up dining rooms prior to meal service, ensuring a clean, organized, and welcoming environment
• Greet residents warmly and assist with seating as needed
• Take meal orders accurately and serve food and beverages in a timely manner
• Demonstrate knowledge of menu options, including therapeutic diets and special accommodations
• Clear tables, reset dining areas, and maintain cleanliness throughout service
• Follow proper food safety and sanitation guidelines at all times
• Sit and share meals with residents to promote socialization and a sense of community
• Encourage resident participation in the dining experience, including making choices and engaging in conversation
• Support residents’ independence by offering cues and assistance as needed rather than completing tasks for them
• Observe and respond to residents’ emotional and behavioral needs with patience, respect, and empathy
• Build meaningful relationships with residents, including those living with memory impairment
• Work closely with nursing and caregiving staff to understand resident dietary needs and preferences
• Assist with adaptive dining techniques for residents with cognitive or physical challenges
• Report changes in appetite, behavior, or eating patterns to appropriate staff
• Ensure compliance with individualized care plans and dietary restrictions
• Assist with dishwashing, stocking, and general kitchen support as needed
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment
• Attend and participate in required trainings, including dementia care and Montessori-based practices
• Uphold the community’s mission, values, and standards of care
• Abide by all established Vicar's Landing policies, procedures, and rules, including attendance
• Maintain established standards of personal hygiene and cleanliness
• Dress to present a professional appearance
• Attend in-service training as required
• Participate in intra-departmental meetings
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS / EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience in food service, hospitality, or healthcare preferred
• Experience working with older adults or individuals with dementia is a plus

JOB REQUIREMENTS

SKILLS, ABILITIES & COMPETENCIES

• Ability to follow detailed procedures and maintain cleanliness standards
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Compassionate, patient, and resident-centered mindset
• Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment

WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is regularly walking or standing 75% of the time. The employee works in a fast-paced environment and must be able to move quickly on the floor or between front and back of house. The employee works in an indoor setting with limited exposure to elements. The employee may work in potentially hazardous conditions and may be subject to falls, cuts, and/or burns from equipment, hot food, or chemicals throughout the day. The employee may be subject to hostile and/or emotional members. Must be able to handle such situations with a positive service attitude.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, and occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, and crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus as well as work on a computer for extended periods of time. The employee must be able to communicate verbally with others on the phone or in person.