Dietary Assistant at WVU Medicine: A Rewarding Career

Role Overview

As a Dietary Assistant at WVU Medicine's Saint Francis Hospital (SFH), you play a crucial role in ensuring patients and customers receive high-quality food and service. This position involves a variety of fundamental food service duties, contributing to the overall well-being and satisfaction of those we serve. From assembling patient trays to maintaining cleanliness in the dish room and serving customers in the cafeteria, your work directly impacts the patient experience.

A Day in the Life of a Dietary Assistant

Each day as a Dietary Assistant at SFH brings a mix of responsibilities and opportunities to make a difference. Here’s a glimpse into a typical day:

1. Morning Setup: You start by preparing your work area, ensuring it is clean, sanitized, and well-stocked. This includes filling buckets with sanitizing solution and ensuring a clean wiping cloth is readily available.
2. Patient Tray Line: You assemble patient meal trays according to dietary requirements and physician orders. This requires careful attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines.
3. Dish Room Operations: You assist in the dish room, ensuring proper cleaning and sanitization of dishes, utensils, and equipment.
4. Cafeteria Service: You serve customers in the cafeteria, taking orders, preparing beverages, and providing friendly and efficient service.
5. Cold Food Production: You prepare salads, sandwiches, and other cold food items, following standardized recipes and portion control guidelines.
6. Sanitation and Maintenance: Throughout the day, you maintain the cleanliness of your work area, clean up spills promptly, and remove trash from service areas.
7. Equipment Monitoring: You monitor equipment temperatures, such as refrigerators and dish machines, and report any malfunctions to management.
8. Customer Interaction: You interact with patients and customers, addressing their needs and concerns in a polite and professional manner.
9. Inventory Management: You assist with inventory management, ensuring adequate stock levels of food and supplies.
10. End-of-Day Procedures: At the end of your shift, you properly store and label food items and chemicals, clean and store equipment, and prepare your area for the next shift.

Why Morgantown, West Virginia?

Morgantown, West Virginia, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Home to West Virginia University, Morgantown is a vibrant community with a diverse population and a rich cultural scene. The city boasts affordable living, excellent schools, and a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and water sports. Living and working in Morgantown provides a balanced lifestyle, allowing you to enjoy both your career and your personal life.

Career Path for Dietary Assistants

WVU Medicine is committed to the growth and development of its employees. As a Dietary Assistant, you have opportunities to advance your career through training, education, and experience. Potential career paths include:

• Dietary Technician: With additional training and certification, you can become a Dietary Technician, assisting in menu planning and patient education.
• Food Service Supervisor: With experience and leadership skills, you can advance to a supervisory role, overseeing the operations of the food service department.
• Culinary Arts: If you have a passion for cooking, you can pursue culinary training and become a chef or cook within WVU Medicine.
• Management Roles: With further education and experience, you can pursue management roles within the food service department or other areas of the hospital.

Salary and Benefits

The estimated salary range for a Dietary Assistant at WVU Medicine in Morgantown, West Virginia, is between $24,000 and $32,000 per year. This range is competitive for the local market and reflects the skills and experience required for the position. In addition to a competitive salary, WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO for vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement Plan: Retirement plan with employer matching contributions.
• Life Insurance: Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program: EAP for confidential counseling and support.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Tuition reimbursement program for continuing education.
• Employee Discounts: Employee discounts on hospital services and products.
• Wellness Programs: Wellness programs and resources to promote employee health.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: FSA for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to providing high-quality healthcare to the communities we serve. Our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, respect, and compassion. We value our employees and provide a supportive and collaborative work environment where everyone can thrive. As a member of the WVU Medicine team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

How to Apply

To apply for the Dietary Assistant position at WVU Medicine, please click the "Apply" button located at the top of this page. Complete the application in full, providing accurate and detailed information about your qualifications and experience. We look forward to reviewing your application and considering you for this exciting opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the minimum qualifications for this position?

   The minimum qualifications include a valid Food Service Worker Permit (FSWP) from the local health department or the ability to obtain a temporary permit within the specified timeframe.

2. Is a high school diploma required?

   A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred but not always required.

3. What are the typical duties of a Dietary Assistant?

   Typical duties include patient tray line assembly, dish room operations, cafeteria service, cold food production, and maintaining cleanliness and sanitation.

4. What kind of training is provided for this position?

   WVU Medicine provides on-the-job training and opportunities for professional development to enhance your skills and knowledge.

5. What is the work schedule for this position?

   This is a full-time position, and the work schedule may vary depending on the needs of the department. You may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

6. What is the dress code for Dietary Assistants?

   Dietary Assistants are required to wear a uniform, which is provided by WVU Medicine. You must also wear appropriate footwear and maintain a clean and professional appearance.

7. Are there opportunities for advancement within WVU Medicine?

   Yes, WVU Medicine is committed to the growth and development of its employees, and there are opportunities to advance your career through training, education, and experience.

8. What is the employee discount program?

   WVU Medicine employees are eligible for discounts on hospital services and products, as well as discounts at local businesses.

9. What is the employee referral program?

   WVU Medicine offers an employee referral program, which provides incentives for employees who refer qualified candidates for open positions.

10. How does WVU Medicine support employee wellness?

    WVU Medicine offers a variety of wellness programs and resources to promote employee health, including health screenings, fitness challenges, and stress management workshops.