Nutrition Assistant

At Houston Methodist, the Nutrition Assistant position is responsible for educating the patient on the dining services programs/process, initial point of contact for problem resolution, and assuring that diet information is accurate. This position assists patients with menu selection specific to their physician‑prescribed diet order, ensures timely meal/tray delivery, and monitors feedback for improving selections and quality.

This position corrects issues relayed from patients to appropriate staff and communicates with peers and management regarding identified hazards in the workplace, following correct procedures for sanitation of work areas as appropriate. It follows all department policies and procedures and complies with local relevant Food Ordinances.

Non‑exempt

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post‑secondary education, etc.)
• One year of customer service or hospitality experience preferred
• Must have one of the following certifications:
  Food Handlers Permit – Accredited food handler training course approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) or by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI);
  Certified Food Manager – Obtain in 90 days; once Food Service Manager Certification is obtained, Food Handler Permit is no longer required;
  Food Service Manager must be renewed every 5 years.

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing assessments and evaluations.
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co‑workers with a customer‑service focus and positive language.
• Good communication skills and ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrates good judgment in professional decision‑making.
• Ability to obtain and analyze pertinent information to make informed decisions.
• Active listening skills giving full attention to others.
• Follow up action to ensure workload processed and discrepancies resolved within established time frames.

• Greets patients, uses their name, and educates them on dining services programs/process specific to their physician‑prescribed diet order.
• Serves as the first point of contact for all complaints involving patient Food Services, resolves problems, and communicates to management when food service problems are identified.
• Communicates pertinent information such as difficulty eating, poor appetite, formula usage, requests to see the Dietitian to ensure proper handling.
• Contributes toward improvement of department scores for employee engagement (peer‑to‑peer accountability).

• Assures all new admits receive information on the dining services program and prescribed diets, assists patients with diet information, answers menu questions, and places orders using computerized software.
• Distributes tube feedings, nourishment/supplements, fruit baskets, and birthday cakes as ordered.
• Identifies menu items and describes each item on the menu to respond to inquiries regarding taste and ingredients.
• Checks the tray for accuracy and presentation prior to delivery, and secures missing or additional items requested at the time of delivery.
• Logs and tracks customer concerns on appropriate documents and ensures patients are satisfied with service.

• Confirms diet orders listed as “no orders” on patient meal worksheets and reviews insulin reports/tickets for patients on diabetic…