Dining Services Assistant | Full-Time & Part-Time

Description Dining Services Assistant Department: Dining Community: Sunnyside – Harrisonburg Reports To: Dining Supervisor FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Starting pay will vary based on job-related skills, experience, and qualifications Job Summary The Dining Services Assistant provides exceptional food service and hospitality to residents while supporting meal preparation, dining room service, sanitation, and kitchen operations.

This position plays an important role in creating a positive dining experience by providing attentive, respectful, and responsive service to residents, families, guests, and team members. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Assist with food preparation and ensure meals are ready for scheduled service. Review and follow meal service instructions, diet information, portion requirements, resident preferences, and allergy information.

Prepare and deliver resident meal trays as assigned. Assist residents in the dining room by taking meal orders, delivering food, refilling beverages, clearing tables, and responding to resident needs. Recognize and accommodate the diverse dietary needs of an aging population. Ensure food is served at appropriate temperatures and presented according to resident requests. Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of food preparation, storage, service, and dining areas.

Operate dishwashing equipment and properly clean and sanitize dishes, utensils, cookware, and serving trays. Safely operate assigned kitchen equipment, including dishwashers, garbage disposals, microwaves, griddles, and toasters. Stock, store, cover, label, and date food items and condiments according to food safety standards. Receive and stock food deliveries using the First In, First Out (FIFO) inventory method.

Monitor food labeling, expiration dates, and product rotation. Discard food items as required by regulations and organizational policies. Store cleaning chemicals and sanitizing solutions in designated areas and follow proper usage procedures. Post menus for residents as required. Empty trash receptacles and transport waste to designated disposal areas. Utilize designated drying racks for pots and pans.

Place wet floor signs and other safety signage as needed. Assist with onboarding and training new team members. Support special events and functions as assigned. Maintain dependable attendance and punctuality by reporting to work as scheduled and prepared to perform assigned duties. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Previous experience in a restaurant, food service, hospitality, or dining environment preferred.

Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly and professionally. Excellent customer service skills with a hospitality-focused approach. Ability to interact professionally and respectfully with residents, families, guests, coworkers, and supervisors. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, procedures, and dietary requirements. Ability to work effectively as part of a team and adapt to changing responsibilities.

Dependable, reliable, and punctual. Commitment to providing quality service and maintaining attention to detail. Standards and Expectations Comply with all company policies, procedures, and departmental standards. Complete all required training, in-services, meetings, and continuing education programs. Follow applicable federal and state regulations and organizational requirements. Follow established safety and sanitation procedures and properly care for equipment.

Respond promptly and respectfully to resident and customer needs. Communicate effectively through active listening and clear verbal and written communication. Demonstrate initiative, sound judgment, and effective problem-solving within the scope of assigned responsibilities. Take ownership of decisions, actions, and outcomes. Demonstrate effective time management while maintaining quality standards and timely service.

Maintain professional appearance, personal hygiene, and departmental