Nutrition Assistant- Per Diem- Food and Nutrition

Position Summary: The Nutrition Assistant reports to the Clinical Nutrition Manager and performs a variety of tasks related to patient service. Provide a high level of customer service and exhibits appropriate customer service skills to all patients. Visits and assists in patients with menu selections on assigned units on a daily basis. Meets patients' special diet and/or cultural/religious needs with regard to menu selections. Collects and processes menus for assigned areas. Provides appropriate meals based on age/development/condition/food preferences. Utilizes Meditech computerized system with regard to diet orders, admissions, transfers, discharges, snacks and tube feedings. Utilizes proper telephone etiquette when dealing with phone calls. Knowledge and proficiency in all modified diets that are provided to inpatients. Corrects inpatient menus to be in compliance with diet order prescribed by physician and follows established guidelines. Communicates patient concerns to the Dietetic Technician, Dietitian or Manager. Provides care within JCAHO standards to maximize the quality of inpatient care. Participates in the orientation and training of new employees, students and volunteers.

Responsibilities: Assist patients with menu selections, including those with special dietary, cultural, religious, or nutritional needs. Maintain accurate patient diet information, meal selections, food allergies, and nutrition profiles in computerized systems. Review and update meal orders, diet changes, admissions, discharges, and room transfers to ensure accurate meal delivery. Ensure menus comply with physician-prescribed diets and established nutrition guidelines. Enter and manage snacks, supplements, and diet-related information within electronic systems. Prepare meal production reports, census counts, and other food service and track nutrition-related quality indicators and participate in quality improvement customer service efforts by participating in patient satisfaction surveys and addressing meal service concerns. Maintain compliance with healthcare regulations, accreditation standards, and departmental policies. Attend department meetings, in-service education programs, and ongoing training sessions.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Experience: Experience with dining software (e.g., MyDining or Computrition) is preferred

Competencies: Must be able to read, write, speak and comprehend English. Knowledge of nutritional structure and different classes of people's needs within that structure. Utilizes the Meditech computerized system. Demonstrates excellent communication skills. We take great care of careers. With locations around the state, Hartford HealthCare offers exciting opportunities for career development and growth. Here, you are part of an organization on the cutting edge – helping to bring new technologies, breakthrough treatments and community education to countless men, women and children. We know that a thriving organization starts with thriving employees-- we provide a competitive benefits program designed to ensure work/life balance. Every moment matters. And this is your moment.