Dietary Aid - Server

Vicars Landing 1; Ponte Vedra Beach (FL); On-site; USD 12,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

Vicars Landing 1 in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL is seeking a Dietary Aide to create a positive dining experience for residents in assisted living. The role combines traditional waitstaff tasks with a person-centered approach rooted in Montessori principles.

Responsibilities include serving meals, assisting residents, and maintaining a clean dining environment. Ideal candidates should have a compassionate mindset and previous experience in food service or healthcare settings. Join us in fostering community connections and supporting our residents' dignity.

Qualifications

• Previous 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 and ensure cleanliness and organization.
• Serve food and beverages promptly while supporting socialization.
• Assist residents with dietary needs and preferences.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time-management skills

Compassionate mindset

Ability to work in a team

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: 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
• Abides by all established Vicar's Landing policies, procedures, and rules, including attendance. Maintains established standards of personal hygiene and cleanliness. Dresses 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 moving 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.