Assistant Dietary Manager

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Assistant Dietary Manager
Veterans Nursing Home

Position Summary
The Assistant Dietary Manager supports the Dietary Manager in overseeing daily food service operations to ensure that residents of the veterans nursing home receive safe, nutritious, and appetizing meals in accordance with physician orders, regulatory standards, and facility policies. The role includes supervisory responsibilities, participation in menu and meal service planning, and collaboration with nursing and interdisciplinary teams to support resident-centered care.

Reports To: Dietary Manager
Supervises: Cooks and dietary aides

Assist in planning, organizing, and directing the day-to-day operations of the dietary department, ensuring timely meal preparation and service for residents, staff, and visitors.

Supervise and support dietary staff, including assigning duties, monitoring performance, and providing coaching and feedback to ensure quality and efficiency.

Ensure meals are prepared and served according to approved menus, recipes, and diet orders, including therapeutic, texture-modified, and culturally appropriate diets for veterans.

Verify accuracy of diet lists and tray tickets; ensure residents receive the correct diet, portion sizes, and consistency as ordered.

Monitor food quality, including taste, appearance, temperature, and portion control, and take corrective action as needed.

Assist with menu planning and revisions in collaboration with the Dietary Manager and consulting dietitian to meet regulatory and nutritional requirements.

Help maintain compliance with federal, state, VA, and long-term care regulations related to food service, sanitation, infection control, resident rights, and documentation.

Oversee proper food handling, storage, labeling, and rotation (FIFO) to ensure safety and minimize waste.

Assist with inventory management, including ordering, receiving, and checking in food and supplies, and reporting discrepancies or quality concerns.

Participate in staff scheduling and timekeeping for dietary staff to ensure adequate coverage for all shifts and special events.

Train and orient new dietary employees on department policies, procedures, safety, and resident-centered service expectations.

Participate in quality assurance/performance improvement (QAPI) activities related to nutrition and food service.

Collaborate with nursing and other departments to address resident concerns, preferences, and special events (holidays, celebrations, veteran recognition activities).

Interact with residents and families in a courteous, professional manner; respond to food-related questions and complaints promptly and appropriately.

Ensure the cleanliness and organization of the kitchen, storage areas, dish room, and dining areas in accordance with sanitation and infection control standards.

Assist with maintaining required records, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, inventory records, in-service training, and other documentation as assigned.

Serve as acting Dietary Manager in their absence, within scope of training and facility policy.

High school diploma or equivalent required; additional coursework in nutrition, hospitality, or food service management preferred.

Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or eligibility/intent to obtain certification preferred, in accordance with state and VA regulations.

Minimum of one to two years of experience in institutional food service, preferably in a long-term care, skilled nursing, or hospital setting.

Prior supervisory or lead experience in a kitchen or dietary department strongly preferred.

Knowledge of long-term care dietary regulations, therapeutic diets, and safe food handling practices.

Ability to read, understand, and follow diet orders, menus, recipes, and written procedures.

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with veterans, families, staff, and surveyors.

Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry food, equipment, and supplies as required, and to stand and walk for extended periods.

Commitment to resident-centered care and respect for veterans and their families.

Attention to detail and accuracy in following diet orders and sanitation standards.

Leadership and teamwork in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.

Professionalism, reliability, and accountability in all aspects of work.

• 401(k)
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Tennessee State Veterans’ Home Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer.