Position Title: Dietary Aide
Department: Dietary Services
Reports To: Nutritional Manager
Location: Sherwood Park Manor, Brockville
Position Overview
The Dietary Aide / Cook is responsible for assisting in the preparation, cooking, and serving of nutritious meals and snacks to residents in accordance with their dietary needs, preferences, and physician-ordered therapeutic diets. This position ensures meals are prepared and served safely, efficiently, and in compliance with the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007, Ministry of Long-Term Care standards, and Public Health regulations. The role combines both cooking and dietary aide responsibilities to support the overall functioning of the dietary department.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation & Meal Service
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Prepare and cook meals according to standardized recipes, menus, and resident dietary requirements.
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Ensure therapeutic diets, texture modifications, and allergies are accurately followed.
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Assist in portioning, plating, and serving meals in the dining areas.
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Maintain food quality, presentation, and temperature standards during meal service.
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Provide respectful and courteous service to residents, supporting a positive dining experience.
Sanitation & Safety
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Follow safe food handling and infection prevention protocols at all times.
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Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, utensils, work areas, and storage areas.
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Label, store, and rotate food supplies properly to maintain freshness and safety.
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Adhere to WHMIS, Public Health, and Fire Safety standards.
Teamwork & Collaboration
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Work collaboratively with the Nutritional Manager, Registered Dietitian, and dietary team.
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Assist with stocking, inventory management, and receiving food and supply deliveries.
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Report equipment issues, safety hazards, or supply shortages promptly.
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Support co-workers by performing dietary aide duties when not assigned as cook.
Documentation & Compliance
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Maintain accurate records of food temperatures, cleaning schedules, and inventory logs.
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Follow all LTC home policies, Ministry regulations, and Public Health standards.
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Participate in audits, inspections, and quality improvement initiatives related to dietary services.
Qualifications
Education & Certification
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Secondary school diploma or equivalent is considered an asset.
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Food Handler’s Certificate required.
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Completion of a Cook or Culinary Arts program, or Red Seal Cook Certification, an asset.
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Additional training in therapeutic nutrition or long-term care dietary services considered an asset.
Experience
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Previous experience in food preparation, cooking, or food service in a healthcare, long-term care, or institutional setting preferred.
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Knowledge of therapeutic diets, menu planning, and food textures is an asset.
Skills
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Ability to safely and efficiently prepare meals for large groups.
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Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation, and infection prevention practices.
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Strong organizational and time-management skills.
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Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
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Compassionate and resident-centered approach to service.
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Physical ability to stand for long periods, lift up to 25kg, and work in a fast-paced environment.
Working Conditions
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Safely transfer and lift, push and pull (up to 20 kg.) in accordance with Sherwood Park Manor’s transfer and lift procedures
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Bend, stoop and carry
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Ability to stand for long periods of time
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Full-time, onsite position in a long-term care home.
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Frequent interaction with residents, families, staff, and external inspectors/regulators.
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Extended periods of time listening attentively.
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Exposure to heat and cold temperatures
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Frequent interruptions in the work environment.
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Flexibility in work hours required including evenings, weekends and on-call.
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Frequent visits to patient areas may require use of personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to infectious disease.
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Portering, moving wheelchairs.
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Admission support and planning for new Residents and Families.
Competencies
Communication Skills
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Communicate effectively with residents, families, and healthcare teams, ensuring clarity and compassion.
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Listen actively to residents’ needs, concerns, and preferences, offering emotional support and reassurance.
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Maintain accurate and timely documentation of care provided, including any changes in the resident’s condition.
Safety and Infection Control
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Follow established protocols for infection prevention and control, including hand hygiene and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
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Ensure the resident’s living environment is safe, clean, and free of hazards to prevent falls or accidents.
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Respond appropriately to emergencies and accidents.
Resident-Centered Care
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Respect and support residents preferences, values, and cultural beliefs in the care plan.
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Advocate for the needs of the resident, ensuring their rights and wishes are respected in all interactions.
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Tailor care to meet resident needs, maintaining flexibility and adaptability in caregiving.
Teamwork and Collaboration
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Work collaboratively with healthcare professionals, family members, and other support workers to deliver holistic care.
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Participate in team meetings and care plan discussions to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care.
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Share knowledge and insights with colleagues to improve the overall care environment.
Time Management and Organizational Skills
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Prioritize tasks and manage time effectively to provide care in a timely manner.
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Maintain an organized system for tracking resident care/or duties.
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Adapt to changes in schedule or care needs, managing multiple tasks without compromising quality of care.
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity
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Show respect for diverse cultural, religious, and personal beliefs and values.
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Provide care that is sensitive to the needs of the resident from various backgrounds.
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Maintain a non-judgmental and inclusive attitude, ensuring all residents and colleagues feel valued and respected.
Professionalism and Ethical Conduct
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Maintain confidentiality and adhere to privacy laws and ethical guidelines.
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Demonstrate a high standard of professionalism in appearance, behavior, and communication.
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Exhibit empathy, patience, and respect in all interactions with residents, families, and colleagues.
