Patient Meal Service Specialist

AdamsPlace; Sparta (TN); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

National HealthCare Corporation is seeking a Dietary Aide to assist with patient meal production and service. You will support the dietary department by preparing, presenting, and delivering meals to patients, following therapeutic diets, and maintaining sanitation standards.

This role emphasizes teamwork, adherence to regulations, and a strong customer-service mindset to ensure high-quality patient care in a healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• Must have sincere interest in foodservice and enjoy working with geriatric and other healthcare patients.
• Willing to learn food preparation and simple cooking skills.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn therapeutic and modified diet information for patient trays.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn proper sanitation procedures and daily use.
• Able to perform repetitive tasks daily.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Able to follow oral and/or written instructions.
• Able to speak and understand English; reading skills may be required.
• Able to read and understand labels on chemicals and MSDS sheets and use products safely.
• In good mental and physical condition.
• Willing to fulfill responsibilities, be on time and follow center policies.
• May need to obtain a Food Handlers Certificate or Sanitation Course as required by state regulations.
• Must be able to work under supervision.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate self-starting qualities and make independent decisions when necessary.
• Understand regulations affecting dietary including patient care, sanitation, labor, fire, safety, and disaster compliance.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, sanitary dietary department and report problems to the Dietary Manager.
• Conserve supplies, prevent waste, and conserve utilities; report needs to Dietary Manager.
• Assist in receiving and storing food and supplies; date, label, and store items properly.
• Scrape, wash, and sanitize dishes and utensils; remove broken items as needed.
• Transport and store dishes and utensils; ensure sufficient quantities of clean items.
• Clean and sanitize the dish machine and dish room; keep area clean.
• Assist cook in preparing/serving foods for all diets; prepare beverages and breads.
• Communicate and cooperate with staff, patients, and families.
• Set up trays, sort diet cards, and ensure diet accuracy before delivery.
• Serve trays on tray line and deliver carts to floors as needed.
• Bus tables; clean/sanitize tablet tops.
• Attend in-service and necessary training.
• In absence of Dietary leadership, supervise in the Dietary Department.
• Adhere to department dress code.
• Perform other tasks as necessary.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

English language

Reading skills

Food safety awareness

Teamwork

Ability to follow instructions

Physical stamina

Multitasking

Education

Food Handlers Certificate / Sanitation Course

Job description

National HealthCare Corporation is seeking a Dietary Aide to assist with patient meal production and service. You will support the dietary department by preparing, presenting, and delivering meals to patients, following therapeutic diets, and maintaining sanitation standards.

This role emphasizes teamwork, adherence to regulations, and a strong customer-service mindset to ensure high-quality patient care in a healthcare setting.