A Diet Clerk is an essential part of the healthcare ecosystem, primarily situated within hospital settings, long-term care facilities, and other medical institutions. This pivotal role bridges the gap between dietary guidelines set by nutritionists or dietitians and the implementation of those guidelines to meet patient needs. Their focus is not merely administrative but also entails a crucial aspect of patient care, ensuring that nutritional plans are meticulously translated into daily meal preparations. The role of a Diet Clerk requires a comprehensive understanding of dietetics and nutrition science, without necessarily having the expertise that a registered dietitian possesses. They must be well-versed in medical terminology, nutritional standards, and dietary restrictions associated with various medical conditions. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are indispensable traits required for this position.
Core Responsibilities and Duties
A Diet Clerk plays a crucial role in the healthcare and nutrition services sectors, ensuring that patients receive appropriate meals tailored to their dietary needs and preferences. Operating primarily in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers, Diet Clerks act as intermediaries between medical staff, patients, and food service departments. They meticulously manage dietary records, document nutritional requirements, and communicate specific diet orders to kitchen staff.
Managing Dietary Information
With a keen eye for detail, these professionals review and verify meal plans, accommodating various dietary restrictions such as low sodium, diabetic, and allergen-free diets. Their day-to-day responsibilities include interviewing patients to understand their dietary preferences, assisting with menu selections, and ensuring accuracy in meal preparation and delivery.
Patient Interaction and Communication
Additionally, they may provide basic nutritional education to patients and their families, fostering an environment that promotes health and well-being through proper nutrition. By balancing clinical guidelines with individual patient needs, Diet Clerks contribute significantly to patient recovery and satisfaction, making them indispensable members of the healthcare team.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Becoming a Diet Clerk involves gaining a keen understanding of nutritional guidelines and food service operations while acquiring essential administrative skills. Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required, and additional coursework in nutrition or food service management can be beneficial. Practical experience in a healthcare or food service environment provides valuable insights into daily responsibilities. Strong communication abilities and attention to detail are crucial for accurately managing patient dietary information and ensuring compliance with prescribed dietary plans.
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Essential Skills
- Keyboard ability sufficient to type 20 words per minute.
- Effective verbal, electronic, and written communication skills using the English language.
- Computer proficiency.
- Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, working with diverse populations.
- Ability to work independently, be self-directed, and contribute as a member of a team.
- Demonstrates initiative with the ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing situations.
- Attention to detail.
- Knowledge of medical terminology (T.I.D.).
- Must possess visual acuity and manual dexterity.
- Must possess good listening skills.
- Must be able to read and comprehend written and numerical information.
Experience and Education
- Six (6) months of general clerical experience, involving routine office duties (answering phones, processing paperwork, maintaining files, etc.).
- In the third year of a BS in Nutrition - OR - has completed one (1) year of a Master's in Nutrition - OR - Associate's Degree in Food and Nutrition - OR- equivalent experience two (2) years diet clerk) required with emphasis on therapeutic diets.
- ServSafe Certification for Food Manager upon hire or within 6 months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
- RD, DTR, CDM, RD eligible
- Food service experience
- Computer skills
Detailed Job Responsibilities
Under immediate supervision, a diet clerk performs clerical duties related to menu processing, including menu tally, accuracy in menu item selections, patient snacks, enteral feedings, and preparation and maintenance of computerized patient information system for patient meal service. The clerk ensures that all menus conform to special physician prescribed requirements of patients and keeps all patient records accurate and current. Independently performs a variety of tasks to ensure high patient satisfaction with meals and patient food service.
Customer Service and Communication
- Demonstrates a commitment to service through personal example and prompt follow-up on opportunities to improve service.
- Demonstrates accuracy and clarity in both verbal and written communications.
- Maintains telephone customer service standards.
- Acts as a liaison between the patient/customer (e.g., nursing team members, patient, patient family members) and the Food Services department.
- Proactively communicates with patients during the meal order taking process utilizing appropriate customer service standards for patient interaction/communication.
- Utilizes diet office computer system to place electronic card file (i.e., entering patient name and diet order) for each patient and takes patient meal orders as calls are received.
- Assists the patient with menu selection via telephone as necessary.
- Provides basic diet information as patient interaction requires to facilitate patient understanding of foods that are compliant and non-compliant with diet order.
- Consults registered dietitian for medical nutrition therapy intervention when poor patient diet comprehension is noted. Communicates patient needs to nursing team members, nutrition assistant, or registered dietitian as necessary.
System Maintenance and Reporting
- Updates diet office system with patient’s special nutritional needs.
- Communicates information about wrong/missing items to kitchen.
- Prints patient meal/diet reports from diet office computer system and hospital computer system as directed. Completes other clerical tasks as directed by Food Service Supervisor. Completes performance improvement monitors as directed.
- Maintains supply of hospitality folders with Directory of Services and Information About Your Diet pieces inserted. Inventories and orders patient menu and communication materials so appropriate inventory of these items are maintained. Enters floor stock data into hospital computer system in timely manner. Remains aware of disaster plan policy for meal service.
Operational Efficiency and Safety
- Utilizes chemicals according to department and manufacturer guidelines.
- Keeps work area clean and organized at all times.
- Provides a high quality dining experience to patients that meets their nutritional requirements and service expectations regarding temperatures, timeliness and food quality.
Adherence to Standards
- Demonstrates sound decision-making; takes responsibility for decisions.
- Demonstrates a respect for the confidentiality of patient information. Maintains HIPAA standards during all communications.
Working Conditions
The role involves contact with patients under a variety of circumstances and exposure to varying degrees of kitchen elements. The individual must be able to clearly speak to customers via telephone and rotate positions throughout the area. There may be exposure to a variety of disagreeable conditions and stressful situations. The job requires moderate physical effort, including the ability to lift up to 35 pounds and push up to 45 pounds of force, with periods of standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, climbing, and kneeling. Must be willing and capable of working in a fast-paced environment.
Organizational Context: CommonSpirit Health Example
CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As CommonSpirit Health, they make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people they serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while they advance social justice for all.
One Community. One Mission. Depending on the position offered, CommonSpirit Health offers a generous benefit package, including but not limited to medical, prescription drug, dental, vision plans, life insurance, paid time off (full-time benefit eligible team members may receive a minimum of 14 paid time off days, including holidays annually), tuition reimbursement, retirement plan benefit(s) including, but not limited to, 401(k), 403(b), and other defined benefits offerings, as may be amended from time to time. Unless directed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement, applications for this position will be considered on a rolling basis.
About Sequoia Hospital - Hello Humankindness
Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital is an accredited, not-for-profit community hospital providing innovative and exceptional health care for generations of Bay Area residents. Sequoia’s Heart and Vascular Institute is a nationally known pioneer in advanced cardiac care, affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute. Sequoia has received national recognition from Healthgrades for superior patient safety and was named as one of America’s top 100 hospitals for cardiac care. Their Total Joint Replacement program is a designated Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement. Their Birth Center is consistently ranked as a favorite among Peninsula families. They are also known for their comprehensive emergency care and leading-edge tomosynthesis 3-D mammogram technology. Their Pavilion combines the most advanced medical and surgical services with a unique healing environment, including private, spacious rooms and inviting garden areas.
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