Dietary Director

Valhalla Post Acute; Louisville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Valhalla Post Acute seeks a Dietary Director to oversee all aspects of the dietary department, from meal planning to service delivery. You will supervise staff, maintain budgets, and ensure meals meet physician orders and regulatory standards while coordinating with nursing and activities teams.

The role involves nutrition assessment of residents, staff training, QA participation, and ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Strong leadership and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved dietary manager’s course meeting state and federal regulations.
• Minimum one year of experience in a long-term care dietary department preferred.
• Knowledge of PCC (PointClickCare) software preferred.
• Continued education and licensing as required by law.

Responsibilities

• Direct and participate in the preparation and service of meals that are safe, appetizing, and meet prescribed dietary needs.
• Manage department budget, control costs, and order food and supplies appropriately.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate dietary staff; handle disciplinary actions and terminations as needed.
• Ensure proper food storage and handling practices in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Coordinate dietary services with nursing and activities departments.
• Present in-service education programs for dietary staff.
• Participate in QA and Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings.
• Visit residents to conduct nutritional assessments and explain diets.

Skills

Dietary management

Staff supervision

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Dietary manager certification

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.