Food Service Aide

Innovative Integrated Health Inc; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Innovative Integrated Health Inc. is seeking a Food Service Aide to prepare and serve meals, including texture-modified and therapeutic diets, in a senior care setting.

You will ensure accurate meal trays, proper temperatures, and adherence to safety and sanitation standards while supporting nutrition-focused care plans for participants. You will assist with stocking, follow FIFO procedures, and participate in staff meetings, adapting to flexible hours as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Food Handler Certification required.
• Minimum of 1 year experience with frail or elderly population.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Must be medically cleared and up-to-date on immunizations before engaging with participants.

Responsibilities

• Prepares food, including modified textures and therapeutic diets.
• Ensures meal trays are accurate and properly served.
• Maintains sanitation and safety per FDA/state regulations.
• Performs FIFO stocking and proper food storage.
• Attends staff meetings and supports center policies.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Attention to detail

Communication

English literacy

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Food Handler Certification

Job description

Who We ArePACE by IIH is empowering senior participants to age at home with dignity through personalized, comprehensive care plans that deliver high-quality health and human services along with strong community support. Through an interdisciplinary and participant-centered model of care, PACE by IIH is committed to improving quality of life, promoting independence, and providing compassionate support tailored to the unique needs of each participant. Our team works collaboratively to deliver innovative, community-based healthcare solutions that allow seniors to remain safely and comfortably in their homes while receiving the care and services they need to thrive.Job SummaryThe Food Service Aide prepares and serves food, including texture modified and therapeutic diets, according to the facility menu. The Food Service Aide assists in assuring proper receiving, storage, preparation, serving sanitation and cleaning procedures are followed.Essential Job FunctionsDuties include, but are not limited to:Prepares food, including modified textures and therapeutic diets. Ensuring meal trays are accurate and complete.Updates diet changes as directed by the Registered Dietitians or the Food Service Supervisor.Prepares food by methods that conserve nutritive value, flavor and palatability.Prepares, portions, and / or serves food using proper measuring equipment and serving utensils, while maintaining quality control standards.Ensures all food items are handled properly to meet safety and sanitation standards, according to State and Federal regulations.Properly stores and refrigerates necessary food items.Ensures that food is cooked to the appropriate temperatures according to the latest FDA (Food and Drug Administration) standards.Ensure that all hot food is delivered and received at proper temperatures according to the latest FDA standards.Responsible for wraps, labels and dates before storing food in the refrigerator.Assisting in stocking food deliveries, ensuring proper storage and First In, First Out (FIFO) rotation is followed.Cleans and sanitizes equipment and food preparation area using the appropriate cleaning methods and following established procedures and cleaning schedules.Practices safety, infection control and emergency procedures according to facility guidelines.Interacts in a manner that is courteous, considerate, and cooperative when communicating with all facility personnel, patients and family members.Attend and participate in staff meetings, in-services, projects, and committees assigned.Adhere to and support the center’s practices, procedures, and policies including assigned break times and attendance.Accept assigned duties in a cooperative manner; and perform all other related duties as assigned.Be flexible in schedule of hours worked.May require use of personal vehicle, if applicable. If using a personal vehicle, a valid California Driver’s License and proof of vehicle insurance is required.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of food preparation, dietary restrictions, and nutrition principles.Basic nutritional knowledge.Interpretation and processing of the therapeutic diet orders as determined by the Registered Dietitian and Speech Language Pathologist.Ability to prepare food following standardized recipes.Ability to read, understand and follow menu spreadsheets.Follows directions and completes tasks in a timely manner.Maintains a neat, clean, well-groomed appearance.Knowledge of basic concepts for regular, texture modified and therapeutic diets.Ability to ensure sanitary conditions in the kitchen.DependableWorking Conditions and Physical DemandsThe working conditions and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Ability to access all areas of the center throughout the workday.Ability to lift up to 35 pounds occasionally, 15 pounds frequently, and 7 pounds constantly; required to obtain assistance of another qualified employee when attempting to lift or transfer objects over 25 pounds.Requires constant hand grasp and finger dexterity; frequent sitting, standing, walking and repetitive leg and arm movements, occasional bending, reaching forward and overhead; squatting and kneeling.Ability to communicate verbally with an excellent comprehension of the English language.Work is generally performed in an indoor, well-lit, well-ventilated, heated, and air-conditioned environment.ExperienceMinimum of one (1) year of documented experience working with a frail or elderly population.Education and CertificationMust possess a High School Diploma, or GED.Must possess a Food Handler’s CertificationIs medically cleared for communicable diseases and has all immunizations up to date before engaging in direct participant contact.Core ValuesCARE is central to what we do, prioritizing the well-being, dignity, and independence of our senior participants.COMPASSION in every interaction, ensuring kindness, empathy, and understanding guide our care.CULTURE that reflects the diverse backgrounds of those we serve and fosters a workplace where every team member feels supported, valued, and empowered to grow.COMMUNITY that fosters connection, belonging, and support for participants and their families.COMMITMENT to quality improvement, innovation, and delivering healthier outcomes.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.