Job Description

Job Title: Diet Technician- FT/Days -Full Time: 5 shifts per week, weekend availability required

Performs nutrition screens for all patients as assigned and under the direction of assigned leadership, aiding in ensuring accurate & appropriate patient meal service, conducts food & drug interaction education and postpartum nutrition education, as necessary. 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:

• Assist Diet Aides in processing all dietary orders with thoroughness and accuracy.
• Records late trays.
• Receives and transmits telephone messages in a pleasant and orderly manner.
• Prints diet reports and screens patients each day. Updates snack list according to current census/ diet report.
• Posts calorie counts as needed, according to order received via computer.
• Communicates needed information to dietitians regarding patient needs.
• Conducts food & drug interaction education.
• Conducts postpartum education (basic nutrition info for breastfeeding, other dietary info as needed). Offers snacks per patient request.
• Refers high risk patients, consults, referrals to the Clinical/Registered Dietitian as needed.
• Counts & reconciles with cafeteria cashier to ensure proper processing of cash after meal service.
• Checks tray line for accuracy and quality. Performs tray line audits.
• Assists with department reports, clerical duties, patient meal surveys as needed.
• 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:

• Prefer at least one (1) to two (2) years of current experience in an acute care setting.
• 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.