Nutrition Tech Full Time .9

Jackson County Regional Health Center • Maquoketa, IA

4h

About The Position

Purpose
Assists in assembling patient meals and nourishments, delivery and retrieval to/from nursing units. Performs basic to advanced sanitation. Completes basic food preparation and services.
Essential Job Functions
Meal Preparation: Prepare and cook meals according to menus, recipes, and dietary guidelines specific to the hospital's needs, including special diets for patients (e.g., low sodium, diabetic, or gluten-free).
Food Safety and Sanitation: Ensure proper food handling, storage, and sanitation practices to prevent contamination and ensure compliance with food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP, FDA standards).
Meal Portioning and Serving: Portion and serve food in appropriate quantities, ensuring meals are balanced and meet patients' nutritional requirements.
Dietary Restrictions and Special Needs: Prepare meals that accommodate various dietary restrictions, food allergies, and patient preferences, ensuring food is safe and appropriate for each individual.
Collaboration with Staff: Work with dietitians, food service managers, and other hospital personnel to ensure that meals meet patients’ dietary needs and hospital policies.
Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of food preparation, inventory, and food safety practices for compliance with hospital regulations and health standards.
Kitchen Maintenance: Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment by washing dishes, sanitizing countertops, and ensuring that all kitchen equipment is properly cleaned and functioning.
Adherence to Regulations: Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and nutritional standards, including regulations set by local health departments and accreditation bodies.
Promote JCRHC's values and culture while taking orders from staff or interacting with patients during meal delivery.

Requirements

• Proficiency in various cooking methods, such as baking, boiling, steaming, grilling, sautéing, and frying, to prepare a wide range of dishes.
• Ability to present food attractively, while keeping in mind hospital meal standards.
• Understanding portion sizes and how to prepare meals that meet nutritional guidelines.
• Understanding the dietary needs of patients, including special diets such as low sodium, low-fat, gluten-free, diabetic, or high-protein diets.
• Awareness of food allergies (e.g., nuts, dairy, gluten) and conditions like lactose intolerance, celiac disease, or diabetes.
• Knowledge of food safety protocols, including proper storage, handling, and preparation to prevent foodborne illness.
• Maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen environment, following hygiene regulations, and ensuring food is stored at the correct temperatures.
• Understanding how to prevent cross-contamination of allergens and maintaining safe food practices for patients with allergies.
• Managing time to prepare multiple meals in a busy kitchen environment without compromising quality.
• Familiarity with commercial kitchen appliances such as ovens, stoves, steamers, blenders, and food processors.
• Understanding how to clean and maintain kitchen equipment to ensure it functions properly and safely
• Ability to communicate effectively with dietitians, nurses, and other healthcare workers to meet patients' dietary needs.
• Interacting politely with staff, patients, and visitors to ensure that their dietary preferences and needs are met.
• Ensuring that patient dietary information is kept confidential and handled professionally.
• High school degree or equivalent
• Dependent Adult/Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training within 6 months of employment
• No experience required.

Nice To Haves

• Previous cooking experience in hospital and or nursing facility.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals based on dietary requirements, including special food modifications and diets for patients with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or allergies.
• Ensure that meals are portioned correctly to prevent waste and meet patient requirements.
• Plan and prepare meals efficiently to ensure food is ready on time for each meal service.
• Keep track of food supplies, ingredients, and kitchen equipment. Report shortages and ensure that necessary items are replenished in a timely manner.
• Will provide training to new kitchen staff as needed.
• Maintain records of food preparation, food temperature logs, and any dietary restrictions or special meal requests from patients.
• Record the number of meals prepared and distributed, and monitor waste or leftover food to improve future meal planning.
• Prepare meals within the allocated budget, managing food costs and minimizing waste.
• Prepare nutritious, safe and appetizing meals for hospital employees and visitors.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED