PURPOSE:

The primary purpose of this position is to serve Residents high-quality, safe and nutritious meals for their enjoyment. This position is also responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and organization of the household kitchen. All tasks are to be approached in a spirit of teamwork, within and among departments, in accordance with the Mission Statement, Standards, Policies and Procedures of The Meadows, along with standards set by the Department of Health for Long-term Care Facilities. As with every role, theunderlying responsibility is the care and safety of each Resident. As such, the tasks required in fulfilling the responsibilities of this position, and the day-to-day routines / schedules for completing these tasks, are secondary only to ensuring the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each Resident are met. Specific responsibilities are outlined below in the Key Result Areas.

WORK SHIFT:

The specific work shift for this position will be established by the Administrative Dietitian in consultation with the Administrator. Work shifts are subject to change and will be advised in the usual manner.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

Daily Food Service

• Ensure efficient and timely delivery of dinner and supper meals to assigned household.
• Ensure food is safely re-thermed in each household and that temperatures are taken and recorded.
• Ensure food safety guidelines are adhered to in the delivery and serving of food and that proper equipment is used.
• Work with Nursing and Housekeeping staff to serve dinner and supper meals in assigned household, engaging the Residents where possible
• Portion and serve drinks and meals according to the dietary requirements of each Resident.
• Refer to diet sheets frequently throughout shift, to check for allergies, diet changes and supplement needs.
• Advise Administrative Dietitian of any special dietary requests as a result of catering to the Simple Pleasures of a Resident.
• Restock food items and supplies for assigned households.
• Notify Kitchen of any changes to number of servings required for individual households.

Food Service

• Ensure food safety guidelines are adhered to in the cleaning of the household kitchen equipment and work areas (Refer to Cleaning Checklist, Guidelines and Manuals as appropriate).
• Ensure that serving pans are returned to the main kitchen while all other dishes are loaded into the Resident dishwasher and cleaned.
• Where appropriate, put away dishes in Resident Kitchen cupboards.
• Restock in each household food / drink related supplies used by Nursing Staff such as spoons and pudding, ensuring supplies are adequate and readily available for daily use.
• Assist with cleaning trays, pots and large pans in Central Kitchen dish room.
• Assist with receiving and restocking /storing food items and food supplies in Central kitchen, in a safe and timely manner as required.
• Check and record temperature of fridges and freezers of assigned households to ensure food is being stored at a safe temperature. Report to Supervisor if at unsafe temperature.
• Attend meetings as required

Service to Residents

• Solicit feedback from residents regularly, regarding the satisfaction/quality of meals.
• Assist with transferring Residents to and from group activities when available.
• Assist with set up and delivery of large group and household activities and events as requested.
• Work closely with Residents, Nursing and Recreation within assigned Household to determine food preferences, identify opportunities for simple pleasures, spontaneous activities, or special interest activities.
• Assist CCAs in responding to call bells in your assigned neighbourhood, assist residents with basic requests within your scope of practice. Ensure Nursing staff is notified of call bell requests outside your scope of practice.

General

• As an employee of The Meadows, actively work to support the Administrator and Management Team in addressing the three plagues of Nursing Home life for Residents (Helplessness, Loneliness & Boredom):

• • Encourage opportunities for Residents to give as well as receive care
  • Cultivate companionship with Residents
  • Foster an environment which encourages variety and spontaneity

• Protect own health and health of others by adopting safe work practices, reporting unsafe conditions immediately, and attending all relevant in-services regarding occupational health and safety. Follows all guidelines for employees and employers as legislated under the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act.

• Required to maintain good attendance for regularly scheduled shifts; flexible to work non-standard hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays

• Promote and support a positive work environment