Dietary Aide - Berks Heim Nursing (Part Time) - (Expired Job)

Berks County, located in Pennsylvania, is a dynamic region known for its blend of rich agricultural traditions and industrial development, complemented by beautiful parks, vibrant entertainment, and top-tier educational institutions. The county government is dedicated to serving its residents with the utmost professionalism, efficiency, and effectiveness, ensuring that all community members have access to essential services and resources. As a local government employer, Berks County offers a variety of career opportunities aimed at supporting the county's mission to enhance the quality of life for its citizens within available financial means.

This particular role within Berks County is a Food Service Worker position, which plays a vital support function in the dietary department. The starting wage for this position is $17.12 per hour, reflecting the entry-level non-exempt status of this role that demands a mix of food preparation, service, and cleaning duties under general supervision. The role involves assisting cooks with minor food preparation tasks such as making gelatin, salads, dressings, toast, and sandwiches, as well as chopping and cleaning fruits and vegetables. Food service duties include portioning meals, serving residents alongside nursing staff in unit dining rooms, and setting up tray lines. Furthermore, the worker is responsible for operating kitchen appliances like mixers, blenders, slicers, and choppers, as well as conducting routine cleaning of kitchen equipment, floors, and work areas to maintain infection control standards. Wrapping, labeling, and storing leftovers properly also fall within this role.

Employees in this role may be assigned to any station across the tray line or dish room, requiring versatility and adaptability. Additional responsibilities include reporting malfunctioning equipment and supply shortages to supervisors and performing dish machine operations to ensure dishware is cleaned and returned to proper locations efficiently. The position demands adherence to strict infection control guidelines to safeguard the health and safety of residents and staff.

Physical requirements are significant for this role, with continuous walking, standing, and bending throughout shifts, alongside the ability to lift up to 50 pounds with assistance. The role requires good dexterity and stamina to cope with the physical demands, including working in environments with occasional extreme heat.

In terms of qualifications, candidates should ideally have some experience in food preparation and a working knowledge of basic nutrition, although on-the-job training is provided. The ability to follow oral and written directions independently while maintaining work standards and taking infection control seriously is essential. Good communication skills in English and basic math proficiency are required, along with the ability to manage stress effectively. The position requires physical presence on-site and willingness to attend mandatory in-service training to stay current with operational and safety standards.

Working for Berks County means joining a team that values equal employment opportunities and non-discrimination, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace ethos. The Food Service Worker role is an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking a stable public-sector job with potential for personal growth and contribution to community wellbeing through dietary services.