Dining Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Purpose of Position

The primary purpose of your job description is to provide whatever level of assistance the resident needs to get good nutrition and hydration and make dining as enjoyable as possible.

Job Function

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

Administrative Function

Record food and fluid intake according to facility policy.

Food Service Functions

A dining assistant may take the resident to the dining room; prepare the food for eating; serve food; prepare the resident for the meal; provide encouragement and conversation during the meal; prepare food, such as cutting meat, so that the resident may self-feed; assist a resident as he or she drinks a beverage; in some cases, feed the resident; take the resident back to the room or another area in the facility; record food and fluid intake according to facility policy.

Residents who need dining assistance may have cognitive impairment, dementia; impaired swallowing, a tendency to aspirate or choke; visual impairment; poor control of their arms or hands; decreased strength or endurance.

Safety and Sanitation

Wash hands before and after performing any service for the resident. Follow established safety precautions in the performance of all duties. Report all hazardous conditions and equipment to the Charge Nurse immediately. Report any communicable or infectious diseases to the Director of Nurses and / or to the Infection Control Coordinator.

Care Plan Functions

Inform the Charge Nurse of any changes in the resident’s condition at mealtime so that appropriate information can be entered on the resident’s care plan.

Resident’s Rights

Maintain the confidentiality of all the resident care function. Ensure that conversation at mealtimes is pleasant and resident oriented. Ensure that you treat all residents fairly and with kindness, dignity and respect. Knock before entering a resident’s room. Report all grievances and complaints made by the resident to the Charge Nurse. Report all allegations of the resident abuse and / or misappropriation of resident property.

Working Conditions

Transport residents to / from the dining room. The majority of on duty time is spent in the dining room. May be subject to interruptions and emotionally upset or combative residents. You will communicate with residents, dietary and nursing personnel. You may be subject to exposure to infectious diseases.

Job Requirements

You must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language. You must possess the ability and willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel. You must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm. You must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile residents within the facility. You must be able to push and pull wheelchairs with the resident seated in it. Must be able to successfully complete the dining assistant course.

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