Dietary Aide - Casual

About Optima Living

Founded in 2007 by two friends inspired by their families’ dementia journeys, Optima Living was created to provide a more home-like experience in seniors housing and care. What began as a personal mission has grown into one of Western Canada’s leading senior living and continuing care providers.

Today, Optima Living offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living, Long-Term Care, Brain Health, and Memory Care across Alberta and British Columbia. Our innovative approach includes Spark, Your Wellness, Your Way; our proprietary brain health and care model. As the only Top 10 Canadian senior living and care provider focused exclusively on Western Canada, we proudly serve more than 6,000 residents.

Guided by our North Star, Let us welcome you home, we are committed to People, Place, and Community. With a resident-first philosophy and a focus on innovation, we are redefining aging with purpose creating communities where seniors live with dignity, connection, and joy.

Position Summary

Reporting to either the Food Services, Support Services or Hospitality Manager, the Dietary Aide assists with meal service, food preparation support, and maintaining cleanliness in kitchen and dining areas.

All duties and responsibilities are carried out in alignment with Optima Living’s mission, vision, and values, promoting person-centered care by respecting the uniqueness, dignity, and self determination of residents to promote maximum personal and functional independence. These duties are performed within the framework of established organizational policies and procedures, industry best practices, while adhering to applicable regulations and standards.

Responsibilities

• Ensures proper food presentation, portion control and maintenance of appropriate serving temperatures.
• Assists with basic food preparation tasks.
• Serves meals and beverages to residents according to their dietary restrictions and individual preferences while encouraging independent feeding.
• Assists in setting up, cleaning and sanitizing the dining room and server prior to and after meal service.
• Assists in setting up, serving and cleaning in dining areas during special events, large orders and catered functions as needed.
• Interacts with residents to take meal orders and answer menu questions.
• Provides tray services according to the care or service plan.
• Prepares a variety of beverages, including freshly brewed coffee and tea.
• Dispenses nourishments for delivery to resident areas.
• Stores food in designated areas while following all food safety and sanitation procedures.
• Assists with receiving food and supplies and stores them in the appropriate areas while observing proper stock rotation.
• Operates the commercial dishwasher to wash and sanitize dishes, pots, pans, trays, and utensils.
• Ensures a safe and sanitary environment for team members and residents through adherence to organizational standards and protocols.
• Promptly reports unsafe conditions, incidents, or concerns to supervisor, General Manager or Health & Safety Committee.
• Identifies maintenance issues and reports them following established maintenance procedures.
• Responds promptly during emergency codes in alignment with organizational standards and protocols.
• Contributes to quality improvement initiatives by sharing ideas and providing feedback.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
• Ensures adherence to infection control policies and procedures through regular audits, observations, and investigations.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of resident medical and personal information in accordance with privacy legislation.
• Completes orientation upon hire and annual mandatory education as assigned.
• Supports other team members through their orientation process.
• Participates in team meetings and stays informed on relevant internal communications.
• Performs other duties as required to support operational needs.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience in a food services role is an asset.
• Experience in a residential care or mental health environment is an asset.
• Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation practices is required.
• Strong personal hygiene practices are required.
• Food Safe certification is an asset.
• CPR and First Aid certification is an asset.
• Ability to communicate professionally and maintain respectful relationships with residents, team members, volunteers and visitors.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively organize, prioritize and problem solve.
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.
• Ability to manage and resolve difficult and challenging situations effectively and respectfully.
• Physical and mental ability to carry out the duties of the position including adherence to provincial health legislation.
• Ability to safely operate equipment according to established protocols.
• Computer literacy skills required.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts.

Conditions of Employment

• Clear Police Information Check
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check
• Successful completion of all mandatory Provincial Health Requirements
• Active Food Safe Certification