Job Description

The Diet Clerk is responsible for performing a variety of specialized clerical and diet office coordinator duties related to functions within the diet office and patient tray assembly under the supervision of approved leadership. Actively and consistently contributes to department operations and communications, behaves in a manner consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Pipeline Health, upholding standards of AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank you) patient communication.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Essential Functions:

• Processes diet orders, assists patients with menu selections, and distinguishing between food and medication allergies.
• Maintains current diet orders and menus to ensure compliance with the physician diet order.
• Checks tray line for patient tray accuracy.
• Serves as a liaison between the department handling patient complaints, food issues and basic questions about meals/diets.
• Answers telephones and directs calls to appropriate staff and departments.
• Provides information such as directions, visiting hours, or patient status information as appropriate.
• Receives and routes messages or documents, such as dietary restrictions, to appropriate staff.
• Uses clear, concise, professional communication with coworkers, patients, all customers internal and external.
• Uses AIDET in interactions with patients and family members.
• Acts with a sense of urgency when performing tasks.
• Basic unit/department maintenance such as keeping files, drawers, cabinets free from unnecessary clutter.
• Reports on any equipment and or environmental issues for repair.
• Abides by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations.
• Speaks up to stop the line and escalates potential safety events if necessary.
• Completes and attends monthly training assigned.
• May float to other areas of the hospital as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Behavioral Standards:

• Treats everyone as their customer; utilizes scripting and other tools to ensure consistency in customer service; Expresses recognition and shows appreciation to others; fully utilizes AIDET principles; responds quickly to handle requests, complaints, and questions; displays a positive attitude.
• Demonstrates the highest level of professionalism, passion and care when interacting with patients, families, physicians, and hospital staff members.
• Using a lens of equity in all aspects of patient care delivery, education, and research to promote policies and practices to allow opportunities for all to thrive and reach their potential, embracing ingenuity to service our customers.

Communication/Knowledge:

• Wears nametag properly; follows dress code policy; answers phone correctly and promptly; is prepared for meetings; meets deadlines; does not participate in gossip; acts ethically and treats others with respect; respects customer’s and co-worker’s time; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and co-workers.

Collaboration/Teamwork:

• Attends staff meetings; follows HIPAA guidelines; follows patient rights policy; complies with the compliance program; demonstrates knowledge of role in a disaster; demonstrates knowledge of fire and fire drill procedures; working knowledge of hospital emergency codes; always utilizes standard precautions in the clinical setting; safely manages the environment of care by demonstrating a working knowledge of the requirements of the: Life Safety program, Utilities Management program, Hazardous Materials program, Emergency Preparedness program, Safety Management program, Medical Equipment Management program, Security Management program.

Qualifications/Experience:

• At least six (6) months experience working in a healthcare nutrition services setting preferred.
• Adaptable to changing work schedules and patient needs.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend medical terminology.
• Critical thinking, service excellence and good interpersonal communication skills, ability to read/comprehend written instructions, strong organizational skills, ability to follow verbal instructions, and PC (computer) skills.
• A capacity to learn, synthesize, make critical judgments, work independently, place patients and families first, and collaborate with the team members who are recognized leaders within healthcare.