1

Dietary Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Dietary Assistant $19.06/hr Summary: The primary role of the Dietary Assistant is to clean food preparation areas and dishes and assist with the preparation of food trays and nourishments for ...

Dietary Assistant

Manchester, CT · On-site

$19.63/hr

) Dietary Assistant $19.06/hr Summary: The primary role of the Dietary Assistant is to clean food preparation areas and dishes and assist with the preparation of food trays and nourishments for ...

Dietary Assistant

Hartford, CT · On-site

$19.63/hr

The primary role of the Dietary Assistant is to clean food preparation areas and dishes and assist with the preparation of food trays and nourishments for residents. Responsibilities: * Helps ...

Dietary Assistant

Hartford, CT · On-site

$19.63/hr

The primary role of the Dietary Assistant is to clean food preparation areas and dishes and assist with the preparation of food trays and nourishments for residents. Responsibilities: * Helps ...

The primary role of the Dietary Assistant is to clean food preparation areas and dishes and assist with the preparation of food trays and nourishments for residents. Responsibilities: * Helps ...

Dietary Aide

East Windsor, CT · On-site

$18.22/hr

The primary role of the Dietary Assistant is to clean food preparation areas and dishes and assist with the preparation of food trays and nourishments for residents. Responsibilities: * Helps ...

The primary role of the Dietary Assistant is to clean food preparation areas and dishes and assist with the preparation of food trays and nourishments for residents. Responsibilities: * Helps ...

Dietary Aide

Suffield, CT · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

The Dietary Aide will assist in the preparation of food to assure the quality of nutritional services are provided. Behavioral Competencies 1. Accountability 2. Communication 3. Customer Service 4. ...

Dietary Aide

Suffield, CT · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

The Dietary Aide will assist in the preparation of food to assure the quality of nutritional services are provided. Behavioral Competencies 1. Accountability 2. Communication 3. Customer Service 4. ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Dietary Assistant information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$8

$18

$30

How much do dietary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for dietary assistant in Springfield, MA is $18.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $25.05 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 Springfield, MA?

The most popular types of Dietary jobs in Springfield, MA are:

What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Dietary Assistant jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Dietary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Dietary Assistant job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,905 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Dietary Assistant

Amherst, MA

$18.25 - $21.80/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Part-Time Dietary Assistant

Location: Center for Extended Care and Rehabilitation at Amherst - Amherst, Massachusetts
Position Type: Part-Time

About Us

 We are a 134-bed skilled nursing and long-term care facility committed to providing compassionate, resident-centered care. We are seeking a Part-Time Dietary Assistant to Join our Team.

Position Summary

The primary purpose of your position is to provide assistance in all Dietary functions as directed/instructed and in accordance with established dining services policies and procedures. As a Dietary Assistant you are responsible for carrying out your assigned duties and report directly to the Chef Manager/Director of Dining Services

 Key Responsibilities

  • Follow therapeutic diet cards as ordered by the physician.

  •  Ensure proper serving temperature of the food and beverages.

  •  Assure delivery on a timely basis.

  •  Maintains visual appeal of the food and emphasis on the use of garnishes.

  •  Adhere to daily nourishment list and stock nourishment stations.

  •  Assist the cook in monitoring of meal serving times.

  •  Adhere to sanitation and storage policy and procedure.

  •  Audit menus and maintain adequate count.

  •  Demonstrate correct safety techniques and follow safety guidelines as established and trained.

  •  Respect and take care of facility equipment and is not wasteful of supplies.

  •  Contribute to effective communication and pleasant working conditions.

  •  Contribute to and promote positive resident and family relations.

  •  Complies with privacy practices and protects resident health information.

  •  Follow facility policies and procedures.

  •  Continue growth and expand job knowledge.

  •  Demonstrate leadership skills.

 Qualifications

  • On-the- job training is provided however, candidates with previous dietary experience is helpful, in a health care setting is preferred.

  • Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.

  •  Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

  •  Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.

  •  Must be able to follow oral and written communication.

  •  Must maintain the care and use of supplies, equipment, etc., and maintain the appearance of the dining service areas; must perform regular inspections of dietary services areas for sanitation, order, safety and proper performance of assigned duties.

  •  Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level they are currently functioning.

  •  Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing dietary practices.

Benefits

  • Starting Rate - $18.25 per hour

  • Looking for someone able to work 16-24 hrs. per week/Including every other weekend. (4p-8pm schedule)

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off and Massachusetts required earned sick time

  • Paid Holidays

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Supportive team environment

E.O.E.