Position Summary

The Dishwasher supports the dietary department by ensuring all dishes, utensils, food-service equipment, and kitchen areas are cleaned and sanitized to meet health and safety standards. This role helps maintain smooth meal service for residents in a post-acute care setting, where cleanliness, safety, and infection-control procedures are critical.

Key Responsibilities

Dishwashing & Cleaning

• Wash and sanitize dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and food-service equipment according to facility and health department standards.
• Operate and maintain commercial dishwashing machines.
• Air-dry and store all clean items in proper locations.
• Maintain cleanliness of dish room, kitchen floors, walls, and surfaces.
• Dispose of trash, cardboard, and food waste following proper procedures.

Food Service Support

• Assist dietary aides and cooks by providing clean dishware for meal preparation and resident meal service.
• Help set up and organize clean items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner service.
• Assist with basic food prep tasks if assigned (e.g., washing produce).

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all infection control, sanitation, and safety guidelines required in a healthcare environment.
• Use PPE appropriately and comply with facility policies for preventing cross-contamination.
• Report malfunctioning equipment, safety hazards, or supply shortages.

Teamwork

• Work cooperatively with cooks, dietary aides, and supervisors.
• Communicate needs, delays, or issues that impact meal service.
• Maintain a positive, respectful attitude toward staff and residents.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred (not always required).
• Experience in food service, healthcare, or hospitality is helpful but not required.
• Ability to lift 25–50 lbs and stand for long periods.
• Knowledge of basic sanitation and safe-food-handling procedures.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Understanding of infection control in a healthcare setting (preferred).

Typical Work Environment

• Post-acute or skilled nursing facility kitchen.
• Frequent exposure to cleaning chemicals, hot water, and food-service equipment.
• Interaction with dietary team members; occasional interaction with residents.