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Dining Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Dining Services - Dishroom

Salem, VA · On-site

$14 - $14.50/hr

Stock and replace dishes, supplies, equipment, and chemicals. * Assist in setup and cleanup of servery and dining area, including glass/windows, tables, vacuuming, and general tidying. * Perform ...

Dining Attendant

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

... notch dining experience. What will you do in this job?: * Greet and attend to members and their ... Clear and reset tables as needed and keep tables neat and clean throughout service * Assist service ...

Dining Attendant

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

... notch dining experience. What will you do in this job?: * Greet and attend to members and their ... Clear and reset tables as needed and keep tables neat and clean throughout service * Assist service ...

Showing results 41-60

Dining Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$18

$40

How much do dining assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for dining assistant in Virginia is $18.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $20.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by dining assistants, and how can they be effectively managed?

Dining Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and effective communication are essential. Common challenges include managing multiple tables during busy meal times, handling special dietary needs, and ensuring customer satisfaction under time constraints. To manage these challenges effectively, it's important to stay organized, prioritize tasks, and maintain a positive attitude even during high-pressure periods. Collaborating closely with kitchen staff and fellow servers also helps ensure smooth service and a supportive team environment.

What is the difference between Dining Assistant vs Food Service Worker?

AspectDining AssistantFood Service Worker
CredentialsMay require food safety certification or trainingOften requires food handler's permit or certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, schools, senior living facilities, cafeteriasRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Job DutiesAssisting diners, setting tables, serving food, cleaningPreparing, serving, and cleaning up food in various settings

Both roles involve food service and may require similar certifications, but Dining Assistants typically focus on supporting dining experiences in institutional settings, while Food Service Workers often work in restaurants or catering. The roles overlap in customer service and food handling, but their work environments and specific duties differ.

What is a dining assistant?

Dining assistants are professionals who support the serving of food and beverages in settings like care homes, hospitals, schools, and restaurants. Their role typically includes setting up dining areas, helping with meal service, assisting individuals who need help eating, and maintaining cleanliness. They play a key part in ensuring meal times are enjoyable and efficient, especially for people who may require additional support. Dining assistants also follow hygiene and safety regulations to ensure a safe dining environment.

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

To thrive as a Dining Assistant, you need basic food service knowledge, attention to hygiene, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food safety protocols, and sometimes a food handler certification is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and a friendly demeanor help create a positive dining experience for guests. These skills ensure efficient service, safety compliance, and customer satisfaction in busy dining environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Dining jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Dining jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Dining Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Dining Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Dining Assistant job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,242 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

$57K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Pay Range: $57,000 - $65,000
The Dining Services Director leads the execution of the signature dining services program at the community. He or she provides friendly, responsive service to create an exceptional dining experience for all of our residents. Each Dining Services Director's primary objective is to exhibit the core values of Commonwealth Senior Living and provide a memorable dining experience for the residents.
Qualifications
• Certification in the Food Handlers Course or equivalent
• Previous management experience in the food service industry.
• Ability to read and write English.
• Willingness and ability to learn new tasks
• Must be available to work varied shifts and weekends.
• Ability to lift heavy objects; stand and walk short distances throughout the day. Ability to tolerate heat from the kitchen.
• Must be free of communicable diseases.
Areas of Primary Responsibility
• Prepare and serve nutritious meals to our residents in a safe sanitary manner in accordance with Public Health Regulations, and in compliance with Sanitation Code.
• Prepare food for regular and therapeutic diets according to the planned menu and written doctors' orders.
• Ensure that the proper quantity of food is prepared and in accordance with established time schedules.
• Prepare food for special events as instructed by the Executive Director.
• Maintain costs within budgeted parameters.
• Use proper technique to taste prepared food to ensure quality taste and palatability prior to service.
• Maintain the proper temperature of food during preparation and service. Record temperatures of food according to established policy.
• Report all hazardous and malfunctioning equipment to the Executive Director.
• Make recommendations to the Director of Dining Services regarding improvements in recipes, menus, productions and service of food, equipment, etc. to enhance the quality of the food service.
• Attend and participate in workshops, seminars and in-services, to keep abreast of current changes in the health care field, as well as maintain a professional status.
• Skilled in the selection of personnel and management of staff to meet the needs of the department and entire community.
• Assist in scheduling department working hours, personnel, work assignments, etc. to maintain quality resident care.
• Routinely inspect the dietary area and practices for compliance with current applicable regulations and as requested by the Director.
• Develop and utilize comprehensive inventory control procedures.
• Purchase food, supplies, and equipment, as required to meet the needs of the department.
• Ensure that a stock of staple/non-staple food, supplies, equipment, etc., is maintained at adequate levels at all times to perform departmental functions.
• Ensure that there is always a 72-hour emergency food and drinking water supply per regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent resident care information to ensure resident rights are protected.
• Supervise and manage schedules and tasks of all dining department associates.
• Other duties as assigned.
Culture Ambassador
• Models the core values of the company:
  • We Care About People
  • We Do the Right Thing
  • We are Passionate, Have Fun, and Celebrate Success
  • We Speak Up! It's Our Responsibility
  • We Take Ownership and Add Value
  • We are Respectful

• Ensures all personnel exemplify the core values of the company at all times.
• Create and drive the sales culture.