Job Summary:  Provides assistance in all dietary functions as directed and instructed in accordance with established federal, state, and local dietary regulations, policies and procedures.  Maintains role as resident advocate with a focus on the community’s mission. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:    * Assist in the preparation, service, and delivery of meals and snacks.    * Know and use portion control procedures when preparing and serving meals.    * Assist in daily or scheduled cleaning duties including work areas, tables, appliances and floors.    * Assist in dish and utensil washing and cleaning including gathering soiled item from carts, trays, and dining areas and placing clean items in proper storage areas.    * Perform all daily tasks in accordance with established Standards and Precautions, sanitary, safety, and infection control policies and procedures.     * Maintain resident’s confidentiality; treat residents with kindness, dignity, and respect.    * Know and comply with Residents’ Rights rules     * Review and promptly report to Dietary Manager/Executive Director all resident complaints/grievances.    * Dispose of food and waste in accordance with established policies and procedures.    * Wear protective clothing and equipment when handling infectious waste and/or blood and body fluids.    * Any other tasks, assignments, projects or requests as deemed by management.    * Ensure proper storage of raw and leftover foods; obtain food supplies for next meal(s)    * Promptly report all hazardous conditions, equipment, accidents and incidents to the Dietary Manager and/or the Executive Director.    * Assist the community’s Dietary Manager/ Executive Director as necessary and implement recommended changes as required ensuring that all dietary procedures are followed in accordance with established policies and procedures.      Professional Requirements:    * Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.    * Completes annual education requirements.    * Maintains regulatory requirements.    * Maintains resident confidentiality at all times.    * Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.    * Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch time system correctly.    * Completes inservices and returns in a timely fashion.    * Attends annual review and department inservices, as scheduled.    * Attends monthly staff meetings.    * Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.    * Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.    * Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.    * Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the community          Regulatory Requirements: * Must be 18 years of age or older QUALIFICATIONS: * High School graduate or equivalent  * Patience, tact, enthusiasm and positive attitude toward the elderly * Good physical and mental health, neat, clean, well- groomed and responsible * Must have upper body strength adequate to bend, lift, shift, move, and/or assist in moving articles of more than twenty-five pounds. * Must be able to squat, reach, and stretch without distress.  Must be able to tolerate extended periods of walking and standing Language Skills: * Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. * Additional languages preferred. Skills: * Basic computer knowledge  Physical Demands: * For physical demands of position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion and environment, see following description. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising resident care.