1

Dietary Assistant Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Plan and assist with special meals for holidays and facility events * Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate dietary staff; handle disciplinary actions and terminations as needed * Ensure proper food ...

Dietary Cook

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$17/hr

... Assist in planning regular and special diet menus as prescribed by the attending physician and ... dietician. Assure that food is available for preparation by cooks. Benefits Offered: * Extremely ...

Dietary Aide

Mount Zion, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Stock ingredients and monitor inventory * Assist in keeping track of expenses and menu planning * Help maintain kitchen equipment and appliances Requirements: * Proven experience as a dietary aide

Dietary Aide General Purpose The dietary aide assignments are determined by the needs basis on the ... Must strip down returned trays and start washing dishes. Assist with serving the different meals.

Dietary Aide

Sullivan, IL · On-site

$17.13 - $20/hr

Dietary Aide General Purpose The dietary aide assignments are determined by the needs basis on the ... Must strip down returned trays and start washing dishes. Assist with serving the different meals.

Dietary Aide

Decatur, IL · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

The Dietary Aide will be responsible for taking food and drink orders, seating and assisting ... May also assist with general cleaning, dishes, and food preparation. What we're looking for:

Dietary Aide

Decatur, IL · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

The Dietary Aide will be responsible for taking food and drink orders, seating and assisting ... May also assist with general cleaning, dishes, and food preparation. What we're looking for:

Dietary Aide

Sullivan, IL · On-site

$17.15 - $20/hr

He/she is reports to the Cook and Dietary supervisor. Essential Duties Must be able to learn food ... Must strip down returned trays and start washing dishes. Assist with serving the different meals.

Dietary Aide

Sullivan, IL · On-site

$16.28 - $20/hr

He/she is reports to the Cook and Dietary supervisor. Essential Duties Must be able to learn food ... Must strip down returned trays and start washing dishes. Assist with serving the different meals.

Inventory & Supplies * Assist with receiving, inspecting, and storing food and supplies. * Monitor food inventory levels and report shortages to the Director of Dietary Services. * Help minimize food ...

Registered Dietitian

Sullivan, IL · On-site

$29.50 - $39.50/hr

... Assist in coordination of nutrition care services with Dietary Supervisor. Complete nutritional reviews monthly on high risk residents (significant weight loss/gain, pressure ulcer, hemodialysis ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Dietary Assistant information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$8

$18

$30

How much do dietary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for dietary assistant in Decatur, IL is $18.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $24.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What qualifications do you need to be a dietary assistant?

To become a dietary assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some positions require completion of a food service or nutrition-related training program, and basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation is often necessary. Certification in food handling or safety may be preferred by employers.
More about Dietary Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Dietary jobs in Decatur, IL?

The most popular types of Dietary jobs in Decatur, IL are:

What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Dietary Assistant jobs?

Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Dietary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Dietary Assistant job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,843 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Dietary Manager

Sullivan, IL • On-site


Pacs
Health Care and Social Assistance • 201 - 500 employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 243 rated social care providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

General Purpose

The Dietary Director oversees all aspects of the dietary department, including meal planning, food preparation, and service delivery. This role ensures that meals are safe, nutritious, and tailored to meet each resident's individual needs in accordance with physician orders, approved menus, and regulatory standards. The director manages staff, maintains budget compliance, and coordinates with other departments to support resident well-being and satisfaction.

Essential Duties

  • Direct and participate in the preparation and service of meals that are safe, appetizing, and meet prescribed dietary needs
  • Maintain food quality, portion control, and compliance with approved menus and physician orders
  • Manage department budget, control costs, and order food and supplies appropriately
  • Plan and assist with special meals for holidays and facility events
  • Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate dietary staff; handle disciplinary actions and terminations as needed
  • Ensure proper food storage and handling practices in compliance with state and federal regulations
  • Process new diet orders and updates; maintain accurate diet cards and resident records
  • Assess resident food preferences, allergies, and nutritional risks; complete monthly nutritional notes
  • Prepare staff schedules and adjust for coverage needs
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen and storage environment
  • Conduct regular inspections of the dietary department for safety and cleanliness
  • Coordinate dietary services with nursing and activities departments
  • Participate in Quality Assurance (QA) and Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings
  • Present in-service education programs for dietary staff
  • Investigate workplace injuries and implement corrective actions or retraining
  • Ensure ongoing compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations
  • Maintain department security and confidentiality of resident information
  • Visit residents to conduct nutritional assessments, explain diets, and promote quality food service
  • Notify the Dietitian of any menu changes and document accordingly

Supervisory Requirements

Responsible for the overall supervision and management of dietary staff, including scheduling, training, performance evaluation, and compliance with facility policies and regulatory standards.

Qualification

Education and/or Experience

  • Graduate of an approved dietary manager's course meeting state and federal regulations
  • Minimum one year of experience in a long-term care dietary department preferred
  • Knowledge of PCC (PointClickCare) software preferred
  • Must maintain required continuing education and licensing
  • Must remain in good standing with the Department of Public Health License and Certification Division

Physical Demands

  • Frequent standing, walking, reaching, pushing, and pulling
  • Occasional sitting, climbing, stooping, kneeling, and crawling
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Frequent talking, hearing, tasting, and smelling
  • Visual acuity including close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Summary of Benefits

We are proud to offer our staff low monthly premium payments for employees and dependents will be as follows:

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) plan with employer match

Generous paid time off for vacation accruing at 4 hours a month, 48 FT or 40 PT annually recurring sick day hours prorated based on hire date, and 7 paid Holidays each year.

EOE/M/F/VETS/DISABLED - At Sullivan Park Care Center, it is our promise to personally touch lives every day. It is a philosophy of caring based on our core values Excellence, Trust, Accountability, Mutual Respect, and Love, that are at the center of all that we do. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce that represents all of us, coming from different experiences, cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints. Inclusion is the way we treat one another and how we celebrate what makes us different.

Pay: 20.00-26.00 per hour depending on experience and education.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.


PACS logo

About PACS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Farmington, UT, US


What PACS Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom