Dietary Director

Heritage Trails Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Cleburne (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Heritage Trails Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is seeking a Dietary Director to oversee every facet of the dietary department, ensuring meals are safe, nutritious, and prepared to meet physician orders and resident needs. The role leads staff, manages budget, and coordinates with nursing and activities to promote resident well-being.

Strong leadership and regulatory compliance are essential to maintain high-quality food service across the facility.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved dietary manager’s course per state/federal regs.
• Minimum one year of long-term care dietary experience preferred.
• Knowledge of PCC (PointClickCare) software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct and participate in meal preparation and service meeting dietary needs.
• Manage department budget and control costs.
• Hire, train, and supervise dietary staff; conduct evaluations.
• Ensure food storage, handling, and safety compliance.
• Coordinate with nursing and activities for resident nutrition and QA meetings.

Skills

PCC software

Education

Approved dietary manager’s course

Tools

PCC software

Job description

General PurposeThe Dietary Director oversees all aspects of the dietary department, including meal planning, food preparation, and service delivery. This role ensures that meals are safe, nutritious, and tailored to meet each resident’s individual needs in accordance with physician orders, approved menus, and regulatory standards. The director manages staff, maintains budget compliance, and coordinates with other departments to support resident well-being and satisfaction.Essential DutiesDirect and participate in the preparation and service of meals that are safe, appetizing, and meet prescribed dietary needsMaintain food quality, portion control, and compliance with approved menus and physician ordersManage department budget, control costs, and order food and supplies appropriatelyPlan and assist with special meals for holidays and facility eventsHire, train, supervise, and evaluate dietary staff; handle disciplinary actions and terminations as neededEnsure proper food storage and handling practices in compliance with state and federal regulationsProcess new diet orders and updates; maintain accurate diet cards and resident recordsAssess resident food preferences, allergies, and nutritional risks; complete monthly nutritional notesPrepare staff schedules and adjust for coverage needsMaintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen and storage environmentConduct regular inspections of the dietary department for safety and cleanlinessCoordinate dietary services with nursing and activities departmentsParticipate in Quality Assurance (QA) and Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetingsPresent in-service education programs for dietary staffInvestigate workplace injuries and implement corrective actions or retrainingEnsure ongoing compliance with all federal, state, and local regulationsMaintain department security and confidentiality of resident informationVisit residents to conduct nutritional assessments, explain diets, and promote quality food serviceNotify the Dietitian of any menu changes and document accordinglySupervisory RequirementsResponsible for the overall supervision and management of dietary staff, including scheduling, training, performance evaluation, and compliance with facility policies and regulatory standards.QualificationEducation and/or ExperienceGraduate of an approved dietary manager’s course meeting state and federal regulationsMinimum one year of experience in a long-term care dietary department preferredKnowledge of PCC (PointClickCare) software preferredMust maintain required continuing education and licensingMust remain in good standing with the Department of Public Health License and Certification DivisionPhysical DemandsFrequent standing, walking, reaching, pushing, and pullingOccasional sitting, climbing, stooping, kneeling, and crawlingAbility to lift up to 50 lbsFrequent talking, hearing, tasting, and smellingVisual acuity including close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perceptionWork EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.