Job Description:
The Dietary Support Worker assists in the implementation of nutritional care plans by supporting food service teams and dietitians in Christchurch’s hospitals and aged care facilities. This role involves translating diet plans into daily meal service operations by identifying special meal needs, checking diet orders, and ensuring that patients receive the correct food items based on medical instructions. The worker also assists in meal tray assembly, communicates with nursing and dietary staff about patient changes, and sometimes provides basic feeding assistance under supervision. They may document patient food intake, distribute meal preference forms, and ensure food safety during delivery. This role is especially important in units managing patients with chronic conditions, allergies, or eating difficulties. By ensuring accurate meal delivery and supporting the clinical nutrition team, the dietary support worker helps improve recovery outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Job Requirement:
A certificate in dietary services, healthcare food service, or nutrition support is preferred. Candidates must have experience in a hospital or care environment with knowledge of specialized diets and basic clinical nutrition. The ability to understand diet codes, read medical diet orders, and communicate clearly with both patients and staff is essential. Applicants must be organized, reliable, and capable of performing tasks quickly and accurately under pressure. Familiarity with infection control, food safety practices, and kitchen operations is required.
