Summary:

We are recruiting for a PACE Dietary Assistant to join our new Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) location. PACE provides comprehensive medical and social services to help older adults remain in their homes instead of moving to a nursing home. We are looking for mission-driven professionals who believe that comprehensive, community-based care is the future of senior health. 

The Dietary Assistant supports food service, including texture modified and therapeutic diets, according to the facility menu. The Dietary Assistant is responsible for assuring proper receiving, storage, preparation, serving sanitation and cleaning procedures are followed while supporting the PACE participants needs. 

Job Duties

PERFORMANCE AREA 1: Essential Job Duties

• Assist the Registered Dietitian in provision of safe, therapeutic nutrition services that meet the diverse needs of participants
• Updates diet changes as directed by the Registered Dietitians.
• Maintain acceptable storage standards of vendor-prepared food prior to meal service
• Prepare and plate food for meal service, following instructions on participants’ dietary cards for specific diets, preferences, and special needs
• Label and date all perishable food in refrigerators and freezers, including any pre-packaged meals for home delivery, making sure all food is fresh and safe for consumption
• Record inventory on dishes, silverware, food supplies, and cleaning supplies, and place orders for replacements as needed
• Ensure that all hot food is delivered and received at proper temperatures according to the latest FDA standards. 
• Measure and record food temperature on delivery and at regular intervals prior to serving.
• 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.
• Maintains stock and tracking of Emergency Food rotating as per expiration dates and stocking per regulatory requirements for participants and staff.
• Ensures all dishwashing occurs in a manner meeting all regulatory requirements of a kitchen dishwashing process. 
• Cleans and sanitizes equipment and food preparation area using the appropriate cleaning methods and following established procedures and cleaning schedules.
• Deep cleans kitchen flooring as per protocol.
• Practices safety, infection control and emergency procedures according to facility guidelines.
• Sets-up tables in dining room.
• Cleans tables and chairs after every meal. Ensures the cleanliness of dining room.
• Prepares and serves required daily beverage, snacks and any food related to Activities Calendar.   
• 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.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by Supervisor, Assistant Supervisor or Administrator.    
• Able to support meal delivery to participants and support for PCA, Activities, Transportation and Reception staff as needed.

PERFORMANCE AREA 2: Focus On Infection Control And Maintenance Of Equipment:

• Practices universal precaution per protocol and keeps work areas clean and clutter free.
• Cleans, disinfects, and sterilizes, according to guidelines.
• Maintains daily log upkeep (food temp, refrigerator, etc.).
• Initiates work request for any malfunctions of equipment, then obtain Health Center Manager’s approval.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education:  

• High school diploma or equivalency
• CA Serv safe and Food Handlers Certification
• Ability to read, write, understand and speak the English language.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in food service or preparation
• Needs to have the ability to work in a team environment both in dietary and the overall health care team.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification within 180 days of hire and maintain certification thereafter; CPR and First Aid certification upon hire preferred

Experience:

• Ability to read, write, understand and speak the English language.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in food service or preparation
• Needs to have the ability to work in a team environment both in dietary and the overall health care team.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification within 180 days of hire and maintain certification thereafter; CPR and First Aid certification upon hire preferred

Skills and Knowledge:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Able to quickly build and maintain rapport; team player
• Customer-service oriented
• Strong computer skills
• Familiar with adult learning and general training techniques
• Positive professional insight
• Flexibility and dependability
• Demonstrated good problem-solving skills; sound judgment
• Attention to detail and excellent follow-through on work tasks

The hourly wage range that UHC reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire starts at $22 an hour. Our salaries are dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience.

In addition, our comprehensive benefits package for regular status employees includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with low premium cost
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 401k plan with matching contribution
• Educational Assistance
• Employee discounts and more!