Job Description

Nutrition Assistant - Nutrition & Dining Services

When two established local health systems unite as one collaborative network, healthcare becomes so much more. Centralus Health , an affiliation of Cayuga Health and Arnot Health, is focused on our region's changing needs and your wellbeing. More than a group of experienced caregivers, Centralus Health is a partnership of advocates who strive to eliminate barriers to better health, innovating and evolving services in our communities for enhanced holistic care close to home.

Centralus Health is central to wellness-for all of us.

Role Summary

The Nutrition Assistant interacts directly with patients to support safe, accurate, and person-centered meal service. This role explains prescribed diets, assists with menu selection, manages diet orders, and coordinates meal delivery while collaborating closely with dietitians and food production staff to meet patients' nutritional needs and dietary restrictions.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Explain prescribed diets to patients and families in a clear, supportive, and patient-centered manner
• Assist patients with menu selection while ensuring compliance with dietary restrictions and allergen requirements
• Enter, update, and manage diet orders using the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system
• Utilize the Food Service Management system daily to support meal service operations
• Collaborate with dietitians, production staff, and Nutrition & Dining team members to ensure accurate meal delivery
• Promote patient and family satisfaction through direct interaction and service excellence
• Adhere to departmental policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Support a safe, clean, and organized food service environment
• Communicate effectively and contribute to a collaborative, team-based work environment

Required Skills and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum of 1 year of food service or nutrition-related experience
• Ability to work effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Previous experience working in a healthcare or hospital environment

Preferred skills are not required to be considered for this role.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

• Standing for extended periods of time
• Lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds
• Reaching, bending, and repetitive motions
• Working in environments with exposure to heat, cold, loud noise, wet or slippery surfaces, and sharp objects
• Ability to navigate a fast-paced clinical and food service environment

Location, Travel and Shift Requirements

• 100% Onsite - Cayuga Medical Center: 101 Dates Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850
• Shift: Full Time, Days and Evenings, with rotating weekends and holidays
• 0% Travel can be expected in this role

Pay Range Disclosure

Standard rate of $18.00 - $21.00 per hour

Centralus Health and its affiliates are committed to treating all patients, providers, staff, and volunteers equitably and with dignity, ensuring the highest levels of safety, care, and respect, and striving to recognize and overcome biases and policies that contribute to disparities in healthcare access, equitable care, and positive health outcomes for all.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, supporting the growth and health of our employees and community by embracing the rich diversity, needs, and circumstances of all peoples and prioritizing opportunities to build a diverse and inclusive workplace.

At this time, Centralus Health will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the Centralus Health Talent Acquisition team at talentacquisition@cayugahealth.org .

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