What does a Dietary Aide do?
A Dietary Aide works alongside a Nutrition Services Supervisor to ensure patients receive high-quality, healthy food options. Dietary Aides are responsible for ensuring workstations are clean and well-kept, and ensure food is stored properly. In some settings, the Dietary Aide may oversee cash procedures or operate a cash register. Dietary Aides help to develop menus that meet health standards.
Dietary Aide skills and qualifications
A successful Dietary Aide will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications required for this job, including:
- Ability to be an independent contributor and work as part of a team
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Capable of working efficiently in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Ability to work under minimal supervision and stay self-motivated
- Strong problem-solving skills
- High interpersonal and customer service skills
Dietary Aide experience requirements
Candidates need experience working in a food service role. They should know how to use commercial kitchen appliances, serve and handle food safely, and thoroughly clean a kitchen after use. Two to three years of kitchen experience prepares candidates with transferrable skills for the role of Dietary Aide. Those with experience working in environments like hotels, cafes, or school cafeterias, have an advantage.
Dietary Aide training and education
Dietary Aides need a high school diploma, GED or higher academic certification to be considered for the role. Candidates with a degree in nutrition are preferable. The Canadian government requires all employees working with food to have a Safe Food Handler’s Certificate, and they must renew it every five years. Candidates should also have an in-depth understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) guidelines.
Dietary Aide salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, average pay for a Dietary Aide in Canada is $17.30 per hour. Wages can vary depending on experience, location, or type of company that is hiring.
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