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Dietary Associate Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Phenom People

Dietary Supervisor

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

Dietary Supervisor Sunrise Senior Living was again named as one of the Best Workplaces in Aging ... Associates degree preferred * One (1) year experience in skilled nursing dining and/or long term ...

MedStar Health

Dietary/Utility Aide

Clinton, MD · On-site

$18.40 - $29.74/hr

... associates and guest to dish room/sanitation duties. Dietary Aides are cross-trained to work every position on the tray line: i.e. starter expo checker Hospitality Aide. Dietary Aide serves food to ...

Restaurant Associates

WELLNESS DIETITIAN

Washington, DC · On-site

$83K - $85K/yr

Restaurant Associates Schedule: Monday-Friday Salary : $83000-$85000/ year Requirement: Registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration This position is eligible for an Employee Referral ...

Roland Park Place

Dietary Aide Part Time

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Roland Park Place Dietary Aide Roland Park Place (RPP) is the only full-service, accredited ... Benefits Our full-time associates are offered competitive wages and a best-in-class benefits ...

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Dietary Associate information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

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How much do dietary associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for dietary associate in Silver Spring, MD is $16.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dietary associate?

Dietary Associates are healthcare support professionals who assist in preparing, serving, and delivering meals to patients, residents, or clients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other care facilities. They ensure that meals meet specific dietary requirements and follow sanitation and safety guidelines. Their duties often include taking meal orders, preparing food trays, cleaning kitchen areas, and working closely with dietitians and food service managers. By supporting nutrition services, Dietary Associates play an important role in the overall well-being and recovery of patients.

What are some common challenges dietary associates face when working with patients who have special dietary needs?

Dietary Associates often encounter challenges when preparing meals for patients with specific dietary restrictions, such as allergies, chronic illnesses, or cultural preferences. Ensuring that each meal adheres strictly to the prescribed guidelines while still being appetizing and nutritionally balanced can be demanding, especially in a busy healthcare setting. Clear communication with dietitians, nursing staff, and sometimes directly with patients is essential to avoid errors and maintain patient safety. Staying organized and detail-oriented helps Dietary Associates manage these complexities effectively.

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

To thrive as a Dietary Associate, you need knowledge of nutrition and food safety, basic food preparation skills, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with dietary management software, kitchen equipment, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, accurate meal preparation and delivery, directly impacting patient or resident health and satisfaction.

What is the difference between Dietary Associate vs Dietary Aide?

AspectDietary AssociateDietary Aide
CertificationsFood Handlers Permit, CPR (if required)Food Handlers Permit, CPR (if required)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, nursing homes, healthcare facilitiesHospitals, nursing homes, healthcare facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with meal prep, serving, cleaning, and patient dietary needsAssisting with meal delivery, cleaning, and basic food service tasks

Both roles involve supporting food service in healthcare settings, often requiring similar certifications. The main difference is that Dietary Associates typically have more responsibilities related to meal preparation and patient interaction, while Dietary Aides focus more on meal delivery and basic support tasks. Both positions are essential for patient nutrition and are used interchangeably in many healthcare facilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dietary jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Dietary jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Dietary Associate jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Dietary Associate job openings:

Dietary Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dietary Associate job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,915 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE (DIETARY AIDE)

Falls Church, VA • On-site

Compass Group USA
Catering • 10K+ employees

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,095 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

350th of 499 rated business services

Free food

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Learn more about Compass Group USAexternal

$18.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for full time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE (DIETARY AIDE) positions.
  • Location: Inova Fairfax Hospital - 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time schedule. 6:30 am to 6:30 pm and 6:45 am to 6:45 pm; days may vary. Rotating weekends included. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: 1 year previous dietary aide/food service experience preferred.
  • Perks: $750 sign on bonus - 1/2 at 30 days, and the remaining at 90 days!
  • Pay Range: $17.95 per hour to $18.25 per hour.
Make a difference in the lives of people, your community, and yourself. At Morrison Healthcare, a Compass Healthcare company, you'll join a culture that values caring for people, fostering belonging, and creating moments that truly matter. Here, your work has purpose: to nourish patients, caregivers, and communities while upholding the highest standards of detail, quality, and excellence in every meal served.
For more than 70 years, Morrison has supported leading health systems nationwide with culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise. With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our commitments, and believe in helping one another achieve more together by realizing our unlimited potential.
Job Summary
Patient Dining Associates work on assigned units in a healthcare facility, and provide services that include helping patients make menu selections, assemble, deliver and pick-up their meal trays. They are part of the caregiving team, responsible for patient safety and satisfaction goals by making sure meals are accurate and delivered at the right time and temperature.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Help patients understand their menu selections and work with nursing to ensure sure their orders comply with their nutritional requirements or restrictions.
  • Work with the caregivers and culinary team to determine menu alternatives for patients with food allergies and sensitivities; cultural, ethnic and religious preferences; or when a patient inquires about additional selections.
  • Manage tray tickets and assemble meals according to each patient's menu selection in a timely and accurate manner. Retrieve trays from patient rooms at assigned times.
  • Complies with regulator agency standards, including federal, state and JCAHO. Adhere to facility confidentiality and the patient's rights policy as outlined in the facility's Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) policies and procedures.
  • Follows Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines when handling food, cleaning work stations and breaking down patient tray line.
  • Follows facility and department infection control policies and procedures.
  • Assist dietitians, such as helping monitor patients who cannot eat food through their mouth, are on liquid diets or have a specific calorie count to manage.
  • Communicate problems or concerns with patients to appropriate personnel in a timely manner, following department procedures.
  • Complete all daily, weekly or monthly reports as outlined in the Morrison Healthcare policies and procedures.
  • Comply with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations, as well as department sanitation procedures.
  • Performs other duties assigned.
Qualifications:
  • Ability to read, write and interpret documents in English.
  • Basic computer and mathematical skills.
  • Must be able to occasionally lift or move up to 100 pounds, as well as maneuver and push food delivery carts.
BENEFITS FOR OUR TEAM MEMBERS
  • Full-time and part-time positions are offered the following benefits: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identify Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and other voluntary benefits including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
  • Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_MorrisonHealthcare.pdf
Morrison Healthcare is a member of Compass Group. Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply.
Morrison Healthcare maintains a drug-free workplace.

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