Dietary Aide

Plaza Health; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Elizabeth Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, operated by Plaza Health, is seeking a Dietary Aide to support meal preparation, service, and sanitation to ensure residents receive nutritious meals according to physician orders and dietary requirements.

You will assist with tray assembly, meal delivery, and maintain a clean, safe kitchen while adhering to infection control and food safety guidelines in a nursing home setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Prior experience in food service or healthcare setting preferred (but not required).
• Knowledge of basic food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must be able to work as part of a team and maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 pounds.
• Must meet all health screening and background check requirements per facility policy.

Responsibilities

• Assist with meal preparation, tray assembly, and meal service according to resident diet orders.
• Deliver meal trays to residents in a timely, courteous, and respectful manner.
• Ensure proper portion control and adherence to special diets (e.g., mechanical soft, pureed, diabetic, renal, etc.).
• Assist residents as needed during mealtime, following safety and infection-control protocols.
• Collect trays after meals and ensure accurate meal counts.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, dishes, utensils, dining areas, and food service carts.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment in compliance with sanitation standards.
• Follow all infection control, food safety, and OSHA guidelines.
• Report concerns related to food quality, resident intake, or safety issues to the Dietary Manager.
• Work cooperatively with nursing staff to meet resident needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Dietary Manager or Administrator.

Skills

Strong attention to detail

Compassionate and resident-centered

Time management

Organizational skills

Effective communication

Cleanliness and safety

Education

High school diploma or equivalent preferred

Job description

Job Title: Dietary Aide

Department: Dietary / Food Services
Reports To: Dietary Manager / Food Service Director
Location: Elizabeth Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Position Summary

The Dietary Aide assists in the preparation, service, and sanitation of food service operations to ensure residents receive nutritious meals in accordance with physician orders, dietary requirements, and federal and state regulations. This role plays a vital part in resident satisfaction, safety, and overall quality of care.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with meal preparation, tray assembly, and meal service according to resident diet orders

• Deliver meal trays to residents in a timely, courteous, and respectful manner

• Ensure proper portion control and adherence to special diets (e.g., mechanical soft, pureed, diabetic, renal, etc.)

• Assist residents as needed during mealtime, following safety and infection-control protocols

• Collect trays after meals and ensure accurate meal counts

• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, dishes, utensils, dining areas, and food service carts

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment in compliance with sanitation standards

• Follow all infection control, food safety, and OSHA guidelines

• Report concerns related to food quality, resident intake, or safety issues to the Dietary Manager

• Work cooperatively with nursing staff to meet resident needs

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Dietary Manager or Administrator

Qualifications & Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred

• Prior experience in food service or healthcare setting preferred (but not required)

• Knowledge of basic food safety and sanitation practices

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

• Must be able to work as part of a team and maintain a positive attitude

• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 pounds

• Must meet all health screening and background check requirements per facility policy

Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail

• Compassionate and resident-centered approach

• Time management and organizational skills

• Effective communication skills

• Commitment to cleanliness, safety, and quality service

Work Environment

• Nursing home / long-term care setting

• Exposure to kitchen equipment, cleaning chemicals, and food service environments

• Interaction with residents, families, and interdisciplinary staff

Compliance Statement

Elizabeth Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.