Dietary Aide

Harlan County Health; Nebraska; Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

Harlan County Health System in Alma, NE is seeking a Dietary Aide to support the Dietary Department with food preparation, meal assembly, tray service, sanitation, and kitchen operations in a hospital setting. You will follow physician-ordered diets, assemble patient trays, and serve meals while ensuring proper temperatures and food safety.

The role requires standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and collaborating with dietary staff and other departments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Healthcare or food service experience preferred.
• Comfort with food preparation and sanitation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food items according to standardized recipes and portion guidelines.
• Assemble and distribute patient meal trays according to prescribed diets.
• Assist with serving meals to patients, staff, and visitors.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and HACCP compliance.
• Assist with stocking and rotating inventory.

Skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Time management

Food safety

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Job Details

Job DetailsJob Location: Harlan County Health System - Alma, NE 68920Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: High School/GEDTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: DayJob Category: Restaurant - Food ServicePosition Summary:

The Dietary Aide supports the Dietary Department by assisting with food preparation, meal assembly, tray service, sanitation, and kitchen operations while ensuring compliance with food safety and infection prevention standards. This position contributes to providing high-quality nutritional services for patients, employees, and visitors by maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient food service environment.

Essential Job Functions

Food Preparation & Meal Service

• Prepare food items according to standardized recipes and portion guidelines.
• Assemble and distribute patient meal trays accurately according to prescribed diets.
• Assist with serving meals to patients, staff, and visitors.
• Ensure food is served at appropriate temperatures while maintaining quality standards.

Dietary Compliance

• Follow physician-ordered therapeutic diets and special dietary restrictions.
• Verify patient meal trays for accuracy before service.
• Report discrepancies or dietary concerns to the Dietary Manager.

Sanitation & Food Safety

• Maintain compliance with food safety regulations, infection prevention practices, and departmental policies.
• Wash dishes, utensils, pots, pans, and kitchen equipment.
• Clean and sanitize workstations, equipment, storage areas, and dining spaces.
• Properly store food according to HACCP guidelines.

Inventory & Kitchen Operations

• Assist with stocking food, supplies, and equipment.
• Rotate inventory using FIFO principles.
• Notify the Dietary Manager when supplies need replenished.
• Assist with receiving and storing deliveries.

Customer Service & Teamwork

• Provide courteous and professional service to patients, visitors, and coworkers.
• Work collaboratively with dietary staff and other hospital departments.
• Maintain flexibility in completing assigned duties based on department needs

QualificationsQualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Preferred

• Previous food service, dietary, or healthcare experience.

Core Competencies

• Strong customer service skills with a commitment to providing courteous, respectful service to patients, visitors, and coworkers.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team while maintaining positive working relationships.
• Organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize daily responsibilities.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail when preparing meals and following dietary instructions.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and infection prevention practices.
• Professionalism, dependability, and accountability in completing assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient work environment.

Working Conditions

Primarily in a kitchen and food service environment with frequent exposure to heat, steam, and food preparation equipment. The role requires prolonged standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

HCHS is an equal opportunity employer.