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Dietary Assistant Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

We are in search of a Dietary Aide within the organization: * Assist in the preparation, service and delivery of meals and snacks. * Assist in daily or scheduled cleaning duties including work areas ...

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Kitchen Manager to oversee all aspects of our dietary department. The ideal candidate will have a passion for providing high-quality, nutritious meals to our ...

Dietary Assistant/Aide

Huntsville, AL ยท On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

We are in search of a Dietary Aide to join our organization: * Assist in the preparation, service and delivery of meals and snacks. * Assist in daily or scheduled cleaning duties including work areas ...

Dietary Aide

Decatur, AL ยท On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

Westminster Assisted Living & Memory Care of Decatur is seeking an enthusiastic Dietary Aide to join our culinary team and assist in providing nutritious, high-quality meals to residents at ...

Dietary Aide

Decatur, AL ยท On-site

$10 - $16/hr

Westminster Assisted Living & Memory Care of Decatur is seeking an enthusiastic Dietary Aide to join our culinary team and assist in providing nutritious, high-quality meals to residents at ...

Dietary Aide

Falkville, AL ยท On-site

$12.50 - $19.50/hr

Key Responsibilities: * Assist in preparing and serving meals, ensuring they meet nutritional and ... Adhere to dietary restrictions and special dietary needs of residents. Qualifications: * Prior ...

Responsibilities * Assist with food preparation, including chopping vegetables and preparing salads. * Serve meals to residents according to dietary needs and portion sizes. * Clean and sanitize ...

Dietary Aide

Decatur, AL

$12.75 - $16/hr

Responsibilities * Assist with food preparation, including chopping vegetables and preparing salads. * Serve meals to residents according to dietary needs and portion sizes. * Clean and sanitize ...

Dietary Aide

Decatur, AL ยท On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

Not available in AR. * Assist with food preparation, including chopping vegetables and preparing salads. * Serve meals to residents according to dietary needs and portion sizes. * Clean and sanitize ...

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Dietary Assistant information

See Decatur, AL salary details

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$18

$29

How much do dietary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for dietary assistant in Decatur, AL is $18.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $24.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by dietary assistants in healthcare settings, and how can they be managed?

Dietary Assistants in healthcare environments often work in fast-paced settings where they must balance multiple tasks, such as preparing special diets, delivering meals on time, and adhering to strict sanitation guidelines. One common challenge is ensuring patients with specific dietary needs receive appropriate meals, which requires careful attention to detail and clear communication with nursing and dietary staff. To manage these challenges, staying organized, following established protocols, and actively collaborating with the nutrition team can help ensure high-quality, safe food service. Continuous training and open communication with supervisors also play a key role in overcoming daily hurdles.

What is a dietary assistant?

A dietary assistant works in a medical care facility, providing nutritional aid to patients, preparing meals and serving food in a dining hall or in client rooms. Your duties include helping to prepare weekly menus, addressing any special dietary needs a patient may have, and maintaining inventory in the kitchen. Depending on your patients, you may also take notes on the amounts and kinds of food a client consumes to provide dietitians and overseeing physicians with data to aid in diagnosis and care. A career as a dietary assistant requires at least a high school diploma and some previous job experience in the food industry. Customer service skills, working knowledge of health codes, safe food handling practices, and an understanding of dietary principles will set you apart from other candidates.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dietary assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dietary Assistant, you need knowledge of basic nutrition, food safety protocols, and experience with food preparation, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, dietary management software, and adherence to sanitation standards are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork help ensure meals meet dietary guidelines and customer needs. These skills are crucial for maintaining food quality, safety, and satisfaction in healthcare or food service environments.

What is the difference between Dietary Assistant vs Nutrition Aide?

AspectDietary AssistantNutrition Aide
CertificationsOften requires a food service or healthcare-related certificationMay require similar food service certifications, less specialized
Work EnvironmentHospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilitiesHospitals, clinics, community health settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssists with meal prep, serving, and dietary needs of patientsSupports meal distribution, assists with dietary guidelines

Both roles involve assisting with meal services in healthcare settings, but Dietary Assistants often have more responsibilities related to meal preparation and dietary needs, while Nutrition Aides focus on meal distribution and supporting dietary guidelines. They share similar certifications and work environments, making them closely related roles in the healthcare food service industry.

How do you become a dietary assistant?

To become a dietary assistant, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may complete on-the-job training or a short certification program in food service or nutrition. Some employers prefer candidates with basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and strong communication skills are beneficial for working with patients and staff.
More about Dietary Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Dietary jobs in Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Dietary jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Dietary Assistant jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Dietary Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Dietary Assistant job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,540 per year, or $18 per hour.

Dietary Assistant

NHS Management, LLC

Madison, AL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

NEW UPDATED PAY SCALES AND WE NOW PAY FOR YOUR EXPERIENCE!!

COME SEE US TODAY!!

Working with us means being part of something special: A team that is passionate about making an impact on our patients' lives each and every day. Unlike the typical hospital setting, our facility offers you the unique opportunity to walk alongside patients on their road to recovery from many different conditions. As you care for and help patients achieve goals and regain independence, you can form significant relationships with them and celebrate the successes they experience along the way.

We are in search of a Dietary Aide within the organization:

  • Assist in the preparation, service and delivery of meals and snacks.
  • Assist in daily or scheduled cleaning duties including work areas, tables, appliances, and floors.
  • Assist in dish and utensil washing and cleaning including gathering soiled items from carts, trays and dining areas and placing clean items in proper storage areas.
  • Check all trays for completeness and accuracy or menu and diet preferences before distribution to residents.
  • Ensure proper storage of raw and leftover foods.
  • Assist and direct the daily or scheduled cleaning duties.
  • Perform all daily tasks in accordance with established Universal Precautions sanitary, safety and infection control policies and procedures.
  • Position includes some weekends/ holidays

QUALIFICATIONS

Must have patience, tact, enthusiasm and positive attitude towards the elderly and disabled

Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English

Must be able to follow oral and written instructions

Must be at least 18 years of age

Must be capable of performing the essential functions of the position

We offer the following benefits for you and your family:

  • Competitive Wages
  • Elite Low Cost Gold Plan Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, Vision Insurance
  • 401K with company match
  • Paid Holidays and Paid Vacation

EOE


NHS Management logo

About NHS Management

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NHS Management, LLC provides administrative and consulting services for individual health care facilities and companies across the southeast. Facilities served by NHS employ a comprehensive approach to care ensuring that their patients and residents receive the highest quality of care practical.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Tuscaloosa, AL, US

Year founded

1981

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