Assistant Dietary Manager

About This Role

The Assistant Dietary Manager supports the Dietary Manager in overseeing daily food service operations within a veterans nursing home, ensuring residents receive safe, nutritious, and appetizing meals according to physician orders and regulatory standards. The role involves supervisory responsibilities, menu planning, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to provide resident-centered care.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, organizing, and directing the day-to-day operations of the dietary department, ensuring timely meal preparation and service.
• Supervise and support dietary staff, including assigning duties, monitoring performance, and providing feedback.
• Ensure meals are prepared and served according to approved menus, recipes, diet orders, and cultural appropriateness.
• Verify accuracy of diet lists and tray tickets; ensure residents receive correct diet, portion sizes, and consistency.
• Monitor food quality including taste, appearance, temperature, and portion control, and take corrective action.
• Assist with menu planning and revisions in collaboration with the Dietary Manager and consulting dietitian.
• Help maintain compliance with federal, state, VA, and long-term care regulations related to food service, sanitation, and infection control.
• Oversee proper food handling, storage, labeling, and rotation (FIFO) to ensure safety and minimize waste.
• Assist with inventory management, including ordering, receiving, and checking in food and supplies.
• Participate in staff scheduling and timekeeping for dietary staff to ensure adequate coverage.
• Train and orient new dietary employees on department policies, procedures, safety, and resident-centered service.
• Participate in quality assurance/performance improvement (QAPI) activities related to nutrition and food service.
• Collaborate with nursing and other departments to address resident concerns, preferences, and special events.
• Interact with residents and families courteously; respond to food-related questions and complaints promptly.
• Ensure the cleanliness and organization of the kitchen, storage areas, dish room, and dining areas.
• Assist with maintaining required records, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and inventory records.
• Serve as acting Dietary Manager in their absence, within scope of training and facility policy.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1-2 years experience in institutional food service
• Knowledge of long-term care dietary regulations, therapeutic diets, and safe food handling practices
• Ability to read, understand, and follow diet orders, menus, recipes, and written procedures
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry food, equipment, and supplies

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional coursework in nutrition, hospitality, or food service management preferred.
• Minimum of one to two years of experience in institutional food service, preferably in a long-term care, skilled nursing, or hospital setting. Prior supervisory or lead experience in a kitchen or dietary department strongly preferred.

Nice to Have

• Additional coursework in nutrition, hospitality, or food service management
• Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or eligibility/intent to obtain certification
• Prior supervisory or lead experience in a kitchen or dietary department

Benefits

Certifications