Dietary Aide

Position: Dietary Aide
Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt, Hourly

Schedule: 5:30am-6:00pm

Position Summary: The Dietary Aide supports the preparation and service of meals, snacks, and beverages for all patients, staff, and visitors of Northlake Behavioral Health System. This position assists with general kitchen duties including food preparation, cleaning, dishwashing, organizing storage areas, and maintaining sanitation standards. The Dietary Aide ensures timely and accurate meal service and works closely and cooperatively with other dietary team members to promote quality service and patient satisfaction.

Essential Functions:

• Prepare and serve meals, snacks, and beverages according to established schedules and diet orders.
• Assist with tray line service, ensuring meals are accurate, timely, and presented in an appealing manner.
• Ensure all food and beverage items are labeled, dated, and rotated using FIFO (First In, First Out) method.
• Maintain required food temperatures and adhere to all infection control and safety standards during preparation and service.
• If eligible to drive, may be requested to provide back‑up delivery support for the Dietary Runner as needed.

• Perform regular cleaning duties, including removing trash, sweeping, mopping, washing dishes, and sanitizing work areas and equipment per cleaning schedules.
• Clean and sanitize carts, trays, and other kitchen equipment.
• Properly use and maintain dish machines and all other dietary equipment.
• Accurately complete required logs (e.g., dish machine, three‑compartment sink, ice scoop, temperature logs).
• Follow all hospital infection prevention, food safety, and hazard control policies.

• Demonstrate flexibility with work hours and assignments to meet patient and organizational needs.
• Maintain professional and respectful communication with patients, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Remain calm and courteous during challenging or high‑stress customer service situations.
• Support coworkers by assisting as needed and promoting a positive, cooperative team environment.

• Maintain strict confidentiality of patient information and other sensitive data.
• Adhere to all hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory standards (including HACCP, HIPAA, DNV, and DHH).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: High school diploma or GED preferred

Experience: Knowledge of food hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing methods; and understanding of applicable standards, including HACCP, HIPAA, DNV, and DHH. If requested to drive, employee must have at least one year of driving experience, or equivalent education/experience.

Ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently while maintaining accuracy and efficiency; strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions; ability to work independently and as part of a team; ability to maintain focus despite environmental distractions such as noise or activity.

To determine driving eligibility, must have a valid and unencumbered Driver’s License, a clear driving record, and qualify to be added to the company’s auto insurance. If all three requirements are not met, employee will not be eligible to drive any company vehicles under any circumstances.

HIPAA: Must comply with all HIPAA standards. Access to Protected Health Information (PHI) is limited to information necessary for special diets.

Work Demands/Environment:

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves, patients, or others.

Requires sustained standing, walking, bending, and manual handling of food trays, carts, and supplies throughout scheduled shifts. Ability to lift and carry food trays, carts, and delivery bags weighing up to 60 pounds occasionally, with frequent lifting of lighter items during the shift.

Clear verbal communication in English for interactions with all employees, patients,…