Dining Services Assistant

Department: Dining
Community: Sunnyside – Harrisonburg
Reports To: Dining Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

 Starting pay will vary based on job-related skills, experience, and qualifications  

Job Summary

The Dining Services Assistant provides exceptional food service and hospitality to residents while supporting meal preparation, dining room service, sanitation, and kitchen operations. This position plays an important role in creating a positive dining experience by providing attentive, respectful, and responsive service to residents, families, guests, and team members.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with food preparation and ensure meals are ready for scheduled service.
• Review and follow meal service instructions, diet information, portion requirements, resident preferences, and allergy information.
• Prepare and deliver resident meal trays as assigned.
• Assist residents in the dining room by taking meal orders, delivering food, refilling beverages, clearing tables, and responding to resident needs.
• Recognize and accommodate the diverse dietary needs of an aging population.
• Ensure food is served at appropriate temperatures and presented according to resident requests.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of food preparation, storage, service, and dining areas.
• Operate dishwashing equipment and properly clean and sanitize dishes, utensils, cookware, and serving trays.
• Safely operate assigned kitchen equipment, including dishwashers, garbage disposals, microwaves, griddles, and toasters.
• Stock, store, cover, label, and date food items and condiments according to food safety standards.
• Receive and stock food deliveries using the First In, First Out (FIFO) inventory method.
• Monitor food labeling, expiration dates, and product rotation.
• Discard food items as required by regulations and organizational policies.
• Store cleaning chemicals and sanitizing solutions in designated areas and follow proper usage procedures.
• Post menus for residents as required.
• Empty trash receptacles and transport waste to designated disposal areas.
• Utilize designated drying racks for pots and pans.
• Place wet floor signs and other safety signage as needed.
• Assist with onboarding and training new team members.
• Support special events and functions as assigned.
• Maintain dependable attendance and punctuality by reporting to work as scheduled and prepared to perform assigned duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a restaurant, food service, hospitality, or dining environment preferred.
• Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
• Excellent customer service skills with a hospitality-focused approach.
• Ability to interact professionally and respectfully with residents, families, guests, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, procedures, and dietary requirements.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and adapt to changing responsibilities.
• Dependable, reliable, and punctual.
• Commitment to providing quality service and maintaining attention to detail.

Standards and Expectations

• Comply with all company policies, procedures, and departmental standards.
• Complete all required training, in-services, meetings, and continuing education programs.
• Follow applicable federal and state regulations and organizational requirements.
• Follow established safety and sanitation procedures and properly care for equipment.
• Respond promptly and respectfully to resident and customer needs.
• Communicate effectively through active listening and clear verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrate initiative, sound judgment, and effective problem-solving within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
• Take ownership of decisions, actions, and outcomes.
• Demonstrate effective time management while maintaining quality standards and timely service.
• Maintain professional appearance, personal hygiene, and departmental dress code requirements, including wearing an identification badge.
• Follow emergency preparedness procedures, protocols, and practice drills as required.
• Maintain dependable attendance and punctuality.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, reach, bend, kneel, stoop, climb, push, pull, and lift objects weighing up to 30 pounds. The employee may occasionally be required to lift or move objects weighing more than 50 pounds.

The position requires manual dexterity, visual and auditory acuity, and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions and procedures.

Why Join Our Dining Team?

As a Dining Services Assistant, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of our residents through quality food service, attentive hospitality, and dependable support. Your work will help ensure that each resident receives a positive and personalized dining experience.

In addition to a rewarding career opportunity, we offer an excellent benefits package, including:  

Personal Leave
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Vacation Leave
Paid Holidays
Choice of 3 Medical Plans, Including an HSA Option
Prescription Drug Coverage
Dental Coverage
Vision Coverage
Company Paid Life Insurance
Company Paid Short-term Disability Insurance
Company Paid Long-term Disability Insurance
Flexible Spending Account
401(k) Plan with Company Match
Supplemental Life, Accident & Cancer Insurance
Tuition Assistance
Uniform Reimbursement
License Reimbursement
MD Ortho – Free Telemedicine & Direct Orthopedic Services
Garner Health – Expert Doctor Matching & Healthcare Savings
Free membership to our on-site wellness center
On-Site Credit Union
On-Site Hair Salon
On-Site Massage Therapy & Esthetician Services
Discounted Movie Tickets
Employee Emergency Relief Fund
Employee Assistance Program