Dietary Assistant

The Providence Groups, LLC; Paducah (KY); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

PTO (Paid Time Off)

401(k) Retirement Savings

Tuition Reimbursement

Professional Growth & Development

Team-oriented environment

Job summary

Providence Pointe Healthcare in Paducah, KY is looking for a dependable, compassionate Dietary Aide to join our dining services team on a full-time basis. You will help prepare, portion, and serve meals, follow dietary guidelines, and ensure a clean, safe dining environment for our elders.

Join a team that emphasizes dignity, comfort, and person-centered care, with opportunities for growth and a competitive benefits package. Weekend and holiday availability may be required.

Qualifications

• Ability to read menus, recipes, tray tickets, and diet instructions.
• Follow resident-specific dietary requirements, including therapeutic diets and texture modifications.
• Basic math to measure ingredients and portion sizes.
• Follow safe food-handling practices and sanitation procedures.
• Operate standard kitchen equipment with training.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in food prep, storage, and serving areas.
• Communicate dietary concerns and requests to the team promptly.
• Work cooperatively with dietary, nursing staff and other departments.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, portion, assemble, and serve meals according to menus and production schedules.
• Assemble meal trays using diet cards and individualized instructions.
• Follow prescribed diets, texture-modified diets, and thickened-liquid requirements.
• Serve meals promptly and at correct temperatures.
• Assist with dining room setup, beverage service, and cleanup.
• Report meal preferences, concerns, and requests to the team.

Skills

Reading menus & diet instructions

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Dependability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

Description

Dietary Aide – Full-Time

Providence Pointe Healthcare | Paducah, Kentucky

Employment Type: Full-Time

Join an Award-Winning Team That Makes a Difference!

Providence Pointe Healthcare is seeking a dependable, compassionate, and service-oriented Full-Time Dietary Aide to join our dining services team!

For more than 40 years, Providence Pointe Healthcare has proudly served Western Kentucky, providing exceptional skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care services. We believe that mealtime is more than just a meal—it's an opportunity to provide comfort, connection, dignity, and a sense of home for the elders we serve.

Our Awards & Recognition:

• 2025 AHCA/NCAL Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award
• AHCA Quality Initiative Tier One Recognition for reducing hospital readmissions
• Paducah Sun Readers' Choice Award – Best Nursing Home/Rehabilitation Center for seven consecutive years
• 2018 Deficiency-Free Survey Recognition from the Kentucky Office of Inspector General
• History of 4- and 5-Star CMS Quality Ratings for long-term care and rehabilitation

Position Overview

The Dietary Aide plays an essential role in creating a positive dining experience for our elders. This position assists with meal preparation, tray assembly, food service, sanitation, and maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming dining environment.

Working alongside our dietary and nursing teams, the Dietary Aide helps ensure that meals are served accurately, safely, and with consideration for each elder's dietary needs, preferences, and dignity.

What You'll Do

Meal Preparation & Service

• Assist with preparing, portioning, assembling, and serving meals according to established menus and production schedules.
• Accurately prepare meal trays using resident diet cards, tray tickets, and individualized dietary instructions.
• Follow prescribed therapeutic diets, texture-modified diets, and thickened-liquid requirements as directed by the dietary department.
• Serve meals promptly and at appropriate temperatures while maintaining an inviting dining experience.
• Assist with dining room setup, beverage service, meal delivery, and cleanup.
• Communicate meal preferences, concerns, and requests to the appropriate team members.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Follow proper handwashing, glove use, personal hygiene, and food-handling procedures.
• Maintain safe food temperatures and follow established food storage, labeling, and sanitation practices.
• Clean and sanitize food preparation surfaces, equipment, serving areas, and dining spaces.
• Wash, sanitize, and properly store dishes, utensils, trays, and kitchen equipment.
• Follow infection prevention procedures and applicable food safety regulations.
• Report food safety concerns, equipment malfunctions, and potential hazards promptly.

Teamwork & Elder Experience

• Treat every elder with patience, kindness, dignity, and respect.
• Support a pleasant, welcoming, and person-centered dining experience.
• Work collaboratively with dietary staff, nursing, and other departments to ensure timely meal service.
• Assist with stocking, organizing, and rotating food and supplies using proper storage procedures.
• Complete assigned duties efficiently while maintaining quality and attention to detail.

Why Join Providence Pointe?

• Competitive Compensation
• Full-Time Employment
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401(k) Retirement Savings
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Opportunities for Professional Growth and Development
• Supportive, Team-Oriented Work Environment
• The Opportunity to Make a Meaningful Difference in the Lives of Our Elders

Benefits are subject to eligibility and applicable plan provisions.

Make a Difference Every Day!

At Providence Pointe Healthcare, every meal is an opportunity to make someone feel cared for, valued, and at home.

Whether you're preparing a favorite dish, ensuring a meal is served just right, or greeting an elder with a warm smile, your work makes a meaningful difference in their daily experience.

Join our award-winning team and help us make every mealtime special!

Providence Pointe Healthcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Ability to read, understand, and accurately follow written menus, recipes, tray tickets, diet instructions, and food safety procedures.
• Ability to recognize and follow resident-specific dietary requirements, including therapeutic diets, food allergies, texture modifications, and thickened-liquid instructions, without making unauthorized substitutions.
• Basic reading, writing, and math skills necessary to measure ingredients, follow portion sizes, interpret food labels, and complete required documentation.
• Ability to learn and consistently apply safe food-handling practices, including proper handwashing, prevention of cross-contamination, temperature control, and cleaning and sanitizing procedures.
• Ability to safely operate standard kitchen and food service equipment following training, including dishwashers, food warmers, carts, and other assigned equipment.
• Ability to maintain cleanliness and organization in food preparation, storage, serving, and dining areas.
• Ability to follow established meal schedules and complete assigned tasks accurately in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure the correct meals, beverages, portions, and dietary modifications are provided to each elder.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to report dietary concerns, meal discrepancies, and resident requests promptly.
• Ability to work cooperatively with dietary team members, nursing staff, supervisors, and other departments.
• Dependability, punctuality, and consistent attendance to support scheduled meal service.
• Willingness and ability to work assigned shifts, including weekends and holidays as scheduled.
• Commitment to resident rights, privacy dignity, infection prevention, and person-centered care.
• Ability to complete required orientation, food safety training, and ongoing facility education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in food service, dietary services, restaurants, hospitality, or institutional kitchens.
• Experience working in a skilled nursing facility, long-term care community, hospital, or other healthcare setting.
• Familiarity with therapeutic diets, modified food textures, and healthcare meal service procedures.
• Current food handler certification or other applicable food safety training.

Previous healthcare dietary experience is preferred but not required. We are willing to train candidates who demonstrate dependability, a positive attitude, and a commitment to serving others.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the work shift.
• Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and repetitive movements associated with food preparation, meal service, and cleaning.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull food supplies, meal trays, and dietary equipment within established safety guidelines.
• Ability to safely handle dishes, utensils, food service carts, and kitchen equipment.
• Ability to work in kitchen environments with exposure to heat, moisture, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.