Dietary Director

General Purpose The 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 Duties Direct and participate in the preparation and service of meals that are safe, appetizing, and meet prescribed dietary needs

Maintain food quality, portion control, and compliance with approved menus and physician orders

Manage department budget, control costs, and order food and supplies appropriately

Plan and assist with special meals for holidays and facility events

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

Process new diet orders and updates; maintain accurate diet cards and resident records

Assess resident food preferences, allergies, and nutritional risks; complete monthly nutritional notes

Prepare staff schedules and adjust for coverage needs

Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen and storage environment

Conduct regular inspections of the dietary department for safety and cleanliness

Coordinate dietary services with nursing and activities departments

Participate in Quality Assurance (QA) and Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings

Present in-service education programs for dietary staff

Investigate workplace injuries and implement corrective actions or retraining

Ensure ongoing compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations

Maintain department security and confidentiality of resident information

Visit residents to conduct nutritional assessments, explain diets, and promote quality food service

Notify the Dietitian of any menu changes and document accordingly

Supervisory Requirements Responsible for the overall supervision and management of dietary staff, including scheduling, training, performance evaluation, and compliance with facility policies and regulatory standards.

Qualification

Education and/or Experience 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 (Point Click Care ) software preferred

Must maintain required continuing education and licensing

Must remain in good standing with the Department of Public Health License and Certification Division Physical Demands Frequent standing, walking, reaching, pushing, and pulling

Occasional sitting, climbing, stooping, kneeling, and crawling

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs Frequent talking, hearing, tasting, and smelling

Visual acuity including close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception

Work Environment The 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.