DIETARY MANAGER

Job Title | Dietary Manager / Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) |
Department | Dietary (Food and Nutrition Services) |
Reports To | Director Of Nursing (DON); Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Or CEO Designee |
FLSA Status | Non-Exempt / Hourly, Overtime Eligible (HR-014, HR-015) |
Classification Basis (CA and Federal) | The Position is Classified Non-Exempt Under Both California and Federal Law, With Overtime and Meal and Rest Periods Per District Policy |
Pay Range | $29.75 – $34.62 Per Hour (Approx. $61,880 – $72,010 Annually At 2,080 Hours), Based on Verified Years of Experience, Credential, and Qualifications |
License / Certification | Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Credential Required (Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals, ANFP), with Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) Preferred; Current Food Protection Manager Certification as Required by The California Retail Food Code |
Work Location | Southern Inyo Healthcare District Skilled Nursing Facility (33 Licensed Beds) Kitchen and Dining Areas |
Schedule | Full-Time Schedule, Primarily Weekday, With Occasional Weekend and Holiday Coverage and Flexible Scheduling as Operations Require |
Effective Date | [Insert Date] |
Position Review | This Job Description Describes the General Nature and Level of Work Expected and May be Updated Based on District Operational, Regulatory, Licensing, or Resident-Care Requirements. |
Job Summary
The Dietary Manager is responsible for the daily operations of the Food and Nutrition Services department of the 33-bed SNF, in accordance with facility policy and procedures and federal and state regulations. The position provides leadership and guidance to ensure that food quality, safety, and sanitation standards and resident expectations are met.
The Dietary Manager supervises dietary staff, plans menus and therapeutic diets with the consultant dietitian, manages purchasing, inventory, and the department budget, and ensures safe food handling, sanitation, and regulatory compliance. As the full-time director of food and nutrition services, the position serves in the role required when a full-time dietitian is not employed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Department Leadership and Staffing
- Recruits, Interviews, Hires (or Recommends Hiring), Trains, Coaches, Evaluates, Rewards, Disciplines, and, when Necessary, Recommends Separation of Dietary Employees, Working with Human Resources
- Develops Job Descriptions and Job Duties for Each Level of Food Service Personnel
- Develops and Posts Work Schedules to Ensure Adequate Staff on Each Shift
- Leads Department Meetings and In-Services to Ensure Staff Competency and Compliance
- Menu Planning, Nutrition, And Therapeutic Diets
- Participates in Menu Planning, Responding to Resident Preferences, Substitution Lists, Therapeutic Diets, Allergies, Cultural Needs, And Industry Trends
- Works with the Consultant Dietitian on Resident Nutrition Screening, Assessment, Weight Monitoring, and Care Plans, and Implements Diet Orders Accurately
- Manages the Preparation and Service of Special Nourishments and Supplemental Feedings
- Assures Foods are Prepared According to Production Schedules, Menus, and Standardized Recipes
- Meal Service and Quality
- Inspects Meals and Assures Standards for Appearance, Palatability, Temperature, and Serving Times are Met
- Specifies Standards and Procedures for Preparing Food and Ensures Accurate Resident Trays and Diet-Order Matching
- Works Cooperatively with Residents, Families, Facility Staff, Physicians, Consultants, Vendors, and Other Service Providers, and Responds to Food Complaints
- Food Safety and Sanitation
- Assures Safe Receiving, Storage, Preparation, and Service of Food, Protecting Food in All Phases of Preparation, Holding, Service, Cooking, and Transportation, Using HACCP Guidelines
- Conducts Regular Kitchen Inspections to Ensure Cleanliness and Proper Food-Handling Practices
- Prepares Cleaning Schedules and Maintains Equipment to Ensure Food Safety, and Ensures Proper Sanitation and Safety Practices by Staff
- Maintains Emergency Menus and Food and Water Supplies for Emergency and Disaster Response
- Budget, Purchasing, and Equipment
- Creates and Monitors Budgets for A Cost-Effective Program and Manages Revenue-Generating Services
- Uses Forecasts, Food Waste Records, Inventory, and Equipment Records to Plan the Purchase of Food, Supplies, and Equipment
- Justifies Improvements in Department Design, Layout, and Equipment
- Compliance and Mandatory Reporting
- Prepares for and Participates in Regulatory Surveys and Inspections and Corrects Findings on Schedule
- Participates in QAPI, Infection Prevention, and Resident-Council Food Committee Activities
- Immediately Reports Suspected Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation and Resident-Safety Events as Required by Law and District Policy
- Maintains Confidentiality of Resident Information and Complies with HIPAA and District Privacy Policies
- Does Not Participate in or Allow Retaliation Against those Who Report Good-Faith Concerns
- Professional Standards
- Displays Integrity and Professionalism, Completes All Compliance Training, and Understands and Follows District Policies, Including Harassment and Compliance Procedures
- Displays Effective Team-Building Skills and Exhibits Excellent Customer Service and A Positive Attitude Toward Residents, Families, and Co-Workers
- Performs Other Duties Reasonably Related to The Position and Consistent with the Incumbent's License, Qualifications, and Department Needs
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge Of
- Food Service Management, Menu Planning, Therapeutic Diets, and Nutrition Services in Long-Term Care
- Federal and California Requirements for Food and Nutrition Services, Food Safety, and Sanitation, Including HACCP and The California Retail Food Code
- Purchasing, Inventory, Budgeting, and Cost Control for Food Service
- Staff Supervision, Scheduling, Training, and Employment Practices
Ability To
- Direct and Motivate a Food Service Team in a Fast-Paced Environment and Handle Multiple Projects Simultaneously
- Demonstrate Strong Customer Service and Communication Skills with Residents, Families, and Staff
- Organize, Manage Time, and Use Computer Skills Proficiently, Including Menu, Inventory, and Diet-Order Systems
- Apply Therapeutic Diet Orders Accurately and Recognize Nutrition Concerns for Referral to the Dietitian
- Work Independently and Respond to Common Inquiries or Complaints from Residents, Physicians, Peers, and Regulatory Agencies
- Stand, Walk, Bend, and Lift up to 50 Pounds Frequently throughout the Workday, and Work in Hot and Cold Environments
- Read, Write, Speak, and Understand the English Language
Minimum Qualifications
License and Education
- Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Credential from the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals (ANFP), Held at Hire and Kept Current through Continuing Education
- Current Food Protection Manager Certification (ANSI-Accredited Exam) as Required by the California Retail Food Code, Held at Hire or Obtained within 30 Days of Hire
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
Certification, Experience and Development
- Minimum of One Year of Experience as A Dietary Manager (Required)
- Knowledge of Therapeutic Diets and Nutrition Services
- Current California Food Handler Card, or Obtained Within 30 Days of Hire as required by Health and Safety Code §113948
- CPR/BLS Certification Preferred
Other Requirements
- Satisfactory Completion of The Conditions of Employment Under HR-032, Including Criminal Background Clearance as Required by California Law for Long-Term-Care Personnel, Drug Test, Tuberculosis and Other Required Health Clearance, Physical Exam, and Satisfactory References
- Ability to Meet Immunization and Health-Clearance Requirements Applicable to Long-Term-Care Personnel
- Ability to Communicate Clearly, Orally and in writing, in English
- Ability to work Weekends, Holidays, and Flexible Schedules as required
Preferred Qualifications
The Following are Not Required but will be Given Favorable Consideration:
- Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Food Service Management, Hospitality, Nutrition, or a Related Field, and 3 or More Years of Experience
- Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) Credential
- Experience In Skilled Nursing or Long-Term-Care Food Service
- Bilingual English and Spanish Communication Skills
- Experience in A Rural or Small-Facility Setting
- Experience With Regulatory Surveys and Plans of Correction
Compensation and Experience Placement
Placement within the range is based on verified years of relevant experience, license or credential, and internal equity. The range reflects the hard-to-fill and hard-to-retain Eastern Sierra location and is compared below with the SIHD wage scale and market data.
Market and Wage-Scale Reference | Hourly Rate |
SIHD Wage Scale, Dietitian / Manager (Manager Line; Min / Mid / Max) | $26.00 / $28.61 / $34.62 |
Eastern Sierra–Mother Lode Nonmetropolitan Area (25th / 50th / 90th) | $29.78 / $38.14 / $62.93/hr. |
California Statewide (25th / 50th / 90th) | $28.87 / $37.63 / $61.22 |
Entry is set at the Eastern Sierra 25th percentile, which is already above the SIHD scale midpoint for managers. Top equals the SIHD scale maximum; the Eastern Sierra median ($38.14) exceeds the scale maximum, and the Eastern Sierra 90th percentile ($62.93) and statewide 90th ($61.22) are far above it, so a scale review is recommended. The scale lists Dietitian and Manager together (the Dietitian line is $36.00 / $42.94 / $52.67); the Manager line is used here. Offers above Mid require CEO approval.
Performance Measures
Performance is measured against strict, specific targets aligned with a 33-bed SNF. Measures tied to a regulatory timeframe are held to 100%. With a small census, a single resident can swing a percentage, so safety outcomes are measured as zero preventable events, with every event individually reviewed, and process measures are held to 100%. The supervisor confirms targets at least annually.
Meal Service and Food Quality
Measure | Target |
Meal Timeliness | 100% of Meals Served Within the Posted Meal Windows |
Temperatures | Hot Food at 135°F or Higher and Cold Food at 41°F or Lower at Point of Service; 100% of Temperature Logs Complete |
Tray Accuracy | At Least 10 Trays Audited Per Week at 100% Diet-Order Match; Zero Allergen or Diet-Order Errors Reaching Residents |
Resident Satisfaction | Satisfaction Score of 85% or Higher on Food in the Annual Resident Survey; 100% of Food Complaints Acknowledged Within 1 Business Day and Resolved or Updated in Writing Within 7 Days |
Nutrition and Therapeutic Diets
Measure | Target |
Nutrition Screening | 100% of New Admissions Screened and Diet Order Verified Before the First Meal; Dietitian Assessment Within the Facility-Policy Timeframe |
Significant Weight Change | 100% of Weight Losses of 5% in 30 Days, 7.5% in 90 Days, or 10% in 180 Days Referred to the Dietitian and IDT Within 2 Business Days |
Consultant Dietitian | Dietitian Visit Schedule Documented; 100% of Dietitian Recommendations Acted On or Responded To Within 7 Days |
Menu Approval | 100% of Menu Cycles Approved by the Dietitian and Posted; Therapeutic Diet Menus Current |
3. Food Safety and Sanitation
Measure | Target |
Daily Sanitation Checklists | 100% Complete; At Least 1 Documented Self-Inspection Per Week |
Inspection Results | Zero Critical Violations in any Internal, County Environmental Health, or CDPH Inspection |
Food Storage | 100% of Stored Food Labeled and Dated; Expired or Unsafe Food Removed on Discovery; Inspected Weekly |
Equipment | 100% of Equipment Cleaned and Maintained on Schedule; Equipment Failure Reported and Repaired Within 2 Business Days or a Substitute Plan Documented |
Emergency Readiness | Emergency Menu and Food and Water Supply Plan Reviewed Annually and Supply Verified Quarterly |
4. Staffing and Training
Measure | Target |
Schedule and Coverage | Work Schedule Posted 100% of the Time; 100% of Shifts Covered |
Food Handler Certification | 100% of Staff Current on Food Handler Cards; Manager Food Protection Certification Always Current |
In-Services | At Least 1 Department In-Service Per Month with Attendance Documented; 100% of Staff Annual Competencies Current |
Orientation | 100% of New Staff Oriented and Competency-Validated Before Independent Assignment |
5. Budget and Purchasing
Measure | Target |
Food Cost | Monthly Food Cost Per Resident Day Within 5% of Budget; Variances Explained in Writing |
Inventory | Inventory Reconciled Monthly; Waste Tracked and Reported Monthly |
Purchasing | 100% of Purchases Within Approved Vendors and Authorization Limits |
6. Compliance and Professional Performance
Measure | Target |
Abuse, Neglect, and Incident Reporting | 100% Reported Immediately to the DON and Administrator; Reported to Agencies Within 2 Hours (Abuse or Serious Bodily Injury) or 24 Hours (Other) |
Survey Findings | Zero Repeat Deficiencies in Food and Nutrition Services; Plan of Correction Actions Completed on Schedule |
Credentials | CDM and Food Protection Manager Certification Always Current; Zero Lapses |
Mandatory Training | 100% Completed by the Due Date |
Professionalism and Reliability | Zero Substantiated Complaints; Dependable Attendance |
Regulatory Requirements
This table summarizes requirements most relevant to the role and does not replace the regulations. The District's Compliance function confirms applicability and updates it when requirements change.
Requirement | Source |
Qualified Dietitian; Director of Food and Nutrition Services Qualifications When No Full-Time Dietitian Is Employed | 42 CFR §483.60(a) |
Food and Nutrition Services: Menus, Diets, Frequency of Meals, Food Safety, and Storage | 42 CFR §483.60(b)–(i) |
Dietitian Employed Full-Time, Part-Time, or by Consultation; Full-Time Dietetic Services Supervisor If No Full-Time Dietitian; Staff Sanitation Training | Title 22 CCR §72351 |
Food Protection Manager Certification and Food Handler Cards | California Retail Food Code (Health & Safety Code §113700 et seq.), including §113947.1 and §113948 |
Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation: Prevention and Prompt Reporting | 42 CFR §483.12; Welfare & Institutions Code §15630 |
Infection Prevention and Control Program | 42 CFR §483.80 |
Emergency Preparedness, Including Food and Water | 42 CFR §483.73 |
Certified Dietary Manager Credential | Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) |
California Skilled Nursing Facility Licensing Requirements | Title 22, California Code of Regulations, Division 5 |
Working Conditions
- Works in the Kitchen, Dining Areas, and Storage Areas of the Skilled Nursing Facility
- Exposure to Hot and Cold Environments, Wet Floors, and Kitchen Equipment
- Frequent Standing, Walking, Bending, and Lifting (Up to 50 Pounds)
- Subject to Frequent Interruptions
- Involved with Residents, Associates, Visitors, Government Agencies and Personnel, and Others Under All Conditions and Circumstances
- Subject to Hostile and Emotionally Upset Residents, Family Members, and Others
- May Work Beyond Regular Working Hours, on Weekends and Holidays, and in Other Positions Temporarily as Necessary
- May Require Weekends, Holidays, and Flexible Scheduling
- Reasonable Accommodation Will Be Considered Consistent with Applicable Requirements.
Role Authority and Escalation
The Dietary Manager makes independent decisions on daily food service operations within District policy, the approved budget, and the direction of the Director of Nursing. The incumbent does not independently establish District policy, approve compensation, or make final personnel decisions, which are made with Human Resources review.
Resident-safety events, food-safety concerns, suspected abuse or neglect, significant weight changes, survey and compliance concerns, and HIPAA or privacy concerns must be escalated promptly to the Director of Nursing and Administrator and, as applicable, the Consultant Dietitian, Medical Director, Compliance/Privacy leadership, or Human Resources.
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