Nutrition Assistant Lead

Welcome to Saint Joseph Hospital, a 433-bed hospital founded in 1877 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth as the first hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. Led by Sister Euphrasia Stafford, the mission to provide compassionate care to the underserved is still carried out today. Saint Joseph Hospital holds over two dozen national ranks and recognitions and is recognized as a 2024 Best Place to Work in Kentucky. 

Saint Joseph is part of CommonSpirit Health, a non-profit, Catholic health system dedicated to advancing health for all people. With approximately 175,000 team members and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice clinicians. 

Our commitment to serve the common good is delivered through the dedicated work of thousands of physicians, advanced practice clinicians, nurses, and staff; through clinical excellence delivered across a system of 140 hospitals and more than 2,200 care centers serving 24 states.

Leads the daily operations of Nutrition Assistants and nutrition support staff to assist in ensuring operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. Participates in and supports all aspects of healthcare food service operations. Works with facility staff to provide optimal nutritional care and demonstrates excellent customer service to patients, guests and staff. Follows diet manual handbook and diet spreadsheets to ensure therapeutic meal compliance with prescribed diet order. 

ESSENTIAL KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Ensures employees follow healthcare food service industry standards, regulations, guidelines and procedures including monitoring and maintaining food temperatures during cooking, holding, and storage processes. Ensures processes and standards are met to avoid cross contamination. Ensures employees adhere to hygiene, food labeling, and food storage standards and maintains tools and equipment according to regulations and facility guidelines. 
2. Leads food and nutrition service employees including ensuring menu and diet accuracy, proper meal portioning, presentation and delivery, patient discharge follow-up, etc. Provides direction and development to staff not adhering to policies and procedures.
3. Oversees food preparation and service to ensure the guidelines of menu and dietary requirements are met. Maintains foundational knowledge of recipe ingredients and food allergies in order to respond appropriately to dietary questions and concerns. Assists team members in applying organizational procedures and protocols to reduce the occurrence of errors related to dietary guidelines. 
4. Trains new and existing employees to follow departmental policies and procedures. Assesses training progress and provides constructive feedback for improved performance. Supports leadership in employee performance reviews. Supports leadership in the training of nutrition services team members related to areas such as therapeutic diets, retail responsibilities and other departmental areas. 
5. Other Duties as assigned by the Leader. 

Required Education and Experience 

Two (2) years experience in food service or one (1) year hospital nutrition experience.

Preferred Education and Experience 

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience.