By greeting and seating residents, taking food and beverage orders and properly entering them into the ordering system, servers play a key role in the dining room and are a friendly face to residents. Servers also communicate any allergies or specific dietary needs to kitchen staff and may make menu recommendations.

Training Requirements:

• Entry Level position
• On the job training available
• ServeSafe certification helpful but not required

Advancement Opportunities:

• Kitchen Staff
• Dietician
• CNA

Members of the kitchen staff help with meal preparation, such as washing, chopping, shredding and grating ingredients for the chef to use, in addition to cleaning kitchen equipment, dishes, and workstations to ensure that the dining area is suitable for guests.

Training Requirements:

• ServeSafe Certification helpful but not required
• Entry-Level position
• On-the-job training available

Advancement Opportunities:

• Chef/Cook

Cooks prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner for residents, adhering to dietary needs while also creating delicious and enticing meals. Additional responsibilities may include preparing specific meals for bed-bound residents, working with the head chef to plan menus, and purchasing food.

Training Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent typically required
• Ability to complete and pass a food safety and sanitation course (such as ServeSafe)
• Previous experience in a kitchen preferred

Advancement Opportunities:

• Dietician
• Director of Dining Services

Dietitians focus on the nutritional needs of residents by creating and implementing nutrition programs, evaluating patients, and keeping a record of results. Dieticians plan menus and ensure that meal portions meet set restrictions and dietary standards.

Training Requirements:

• Complete a Bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university in nutrition, food and nutrition, dietetics, food systems management (board approved)
• Pass licensing exam for Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist
• Continuing education required to maintain licensure

Advancement Opportunities:

• Director of Dining Services
  

The Director of Dining Services oversees the operations of the dining department and ensures all policies and procedures are being followed according to State and Federal regulations. The Director of Dining Services is typically responsible for purchasing, schedules, budgets, and the overall direction and organization of the kitchen. 

Training Requirements:

• Typically 3-5 years in a dining services role required (dependent on community)
• Typically 3-5 years in management required (dependent on community)
• May be asked to obtain Certified Dietary Manager credential.
• May be asked to obtain ServeSafe certification.

See LeadingAge PA Management Basics Training available on our Learning Portal.

Advancement Opportunities:

• Administrator

The concierge greets residents, families, and visitors, records and communicates messages, and answers all phone calls. This role requires the ability to communicate well with others and create a welcoming environment for everybody who enters through the front doors.

Training Requirements:

• Entry-level position

Advancement Opportunities:

• CNA
• Server
• Activities Associate
• Social Services Associate
• Admissions Counselor
• Scheduler