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Nutritional Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Chesapeake

Nutritional Assistance

Newport News, VA · On-site

$15.50/hr

Our Nutritional Assistants are responsible for preparing and completing table and tray service for residents in Health Care and Assisted Living. We offer perks such as free meals, team member ...

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How much do nutritional assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for nutritional assistant in Virginia is $18.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $20.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nutritional assistant?

Nutritional Assistants are healthcare professionals who help plan, prepare, and serve meals that meet specific dietary requirements, often in hospitals, nursing homes, or schools. They support dietitians and nutritionists by gathering patient information, assisting with menu selections, and ensuring meals adhere to prescribed nutrition plans. Their role is crucial in promoting patient health and recovery through proper nutrition. Nutritional Assistants may also educate patients about healthy eating habits and monitor food intake. They often work as part of a larger dietary team to provide comprehensive nutritional care.

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

To thrive as a Nutritional Assistant, you need knowledge of basic nutrition principles, meal planning, and food safety, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with dietary management software, food service equipment, and safety protocols is commonly required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help Nutritional Assistants effectively collaborate with dietitians and support patient needs. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure accurate dietary support and safe, high-quality meal service in healthcare or institutional settings.

What are some common challenges nutritional assistants face when supporting patients with special dietary needs?

Nutritional Assistants often encounter challenges such as ensuring strict adherence to individualized diet plans, particularly for patients with allergies, diabetes, or other health conditions requiring specialized nutrition. They must communicate clearly with both patients and healthcare teams to prevent errors and accommodate preferences without compromising health requirements. Flexibility and attention to detail are critical, as menu adjustments and last-minute changes can arise frequently in healthcare settings.

What is the difference between Nutritional Assistant vs Diet Aide?

AspectNutritional AssistantDiet Aide
CertificationsOften requires a high school diploma; some roles may need nutrition-related certificationsTypically requires a high school diploma; certifications are less common
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, community health programsHospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, healthcare settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with meal planning, patient education, food prep, and nutritional assessmentsAssisting with meal service, food prep, and basic nutritional support

Both Nutritional Assistants and Diet Aides work in healthcare settings, supporting nutrition services. Nutritional Assistants typically have more responsibilities related to patient education and assessments, while Diet Aides focus more on meal service and food preparation. The roles often overlap, but Nutritional Assistants usually require additional certifications and have a broader scope of duties.

What do you need to become a nutritional assistant?

To become a nutritional assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant training or certification in nutrition or food service. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a healthcare or food service environment are also important. Some positions may require basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nutritional jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Nutritional jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Nutritional Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Nutritional Assistant job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Nutritional Assistant jobs in VA?

For Nutritional Assistant jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Nutritional Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nutritional Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,219 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

2026-2027 Applicant Pool-School Nutrition Services-Assistant Manager

Chesapeake Public Schools

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Assist in the preparation, cooking, and serving of food according to the menu and program requirements.

  • Supervise school nutrition staff and oversee cafeteria operations, including opening, setting up equipment, and maintaining cleanliness.

  • Manage food inventory, assist with ordering supplies, and handle cash transactions and daily deposits.

Chesapeake Public Schools rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 641 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Requirements
Chesapeake Public Schools
JOB DESCRIPTION
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
School Nutrition Services (SNS) Assistant Manager
Department: School Nutrition Services
Pay Grade: Elementary U107; Middle U108; High U109
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
GENERAL PURPOSE
Responsible semi skilled work includes preparing and serving meals and cleaning cafeterias; related work is done as required. Supervision is exercised over school nutrition assistants and school nutrition meal service attendants in the absence of the manager.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Assures all serving lines are properly set according to the daily menu, and appropriate serving utensils are in place.
  • Assist in the preparation, cooking, and serving of entrees, bread, vegetables, and other food in accordance with the menu for NSLP (National School Lunch Program), SBP (School Breakfast Program), CAFCP (Child and Adult Care Food Program), SFSP (Summer Food Service Program), etc.
  • Assists with the operations of a school cafeteria and supervises a staff of school nutrition assistants and school nutrition meal service attendants.
  • Opens kitchen, sets up equipment, prepares cafeteria for serving.
  • Washes pots, pans, kettles, and other cooking utensils.
  • Operates dishwashers, mixers, choppers, slicers, steamers, ovens, and other food service and mechanical equipment.
  • Cleans work surfaces, eating, and food preparation areas.
  • Sweeps and mops and performs other custodial duties as assigned.
  • Assist in estimating and ordering food supplies and preparing for monthly inventory.
  • Assisting and creating and posting cleaning and work schedules.
  • Receives and stocks food supplies, maintains sanitary conditions, and follows HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) guidelines.
  • Serve as cashier and/or serve daily.
  • Reviews daily meal counts, counts and balances cash received, prepares daily deposits and deposits daily monies in the bank.
  • Completes daily worksheets and inputs information into OneSource production records each day.
  • Assists with preparing food based on production planning, maintains accountability of U.S.D.A. (U.S. Department of Agriculture) inventory, purchased inventory, and maintains production records daily.
  • Works with the Manager and Site Coordinator to maintain a safe and sanitary work environment and ensure the following of all policies and procedures.
  • Assumes responsibility of the SNS manager in their absence.
  • Performs related tasks as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Any combination of education and experience equivalent to high school graduation and some food service experience in an institutional setting.
  • School nutrition experience preferred.
  • Possession of or ability to acquire an appropriate license(s), certificate(s), and/or endorsement(s) for a position as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia and School Board. Current ServSafe Certification or equivalent required within 90 days of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • General knowledge of the preparation, cooking, and serving of food in large quantities; general knowledge of food quality and values: some knowledge of special dietary requirements;
  • General knowledge of the practices used in receiving and storing food in large quantities; general knowledge of kitchen sanitation and safety measures used in food handling and in the operation, cleaning, and care of utensils, equipment and work area;
  • Ability to supervise the work of others;
  • Ability to prepare reports;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, students and school staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • This is medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects;
  • Work requires stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, and repetitive motions;
  • Vocal communication and problem solving skills are required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly;
  • Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, basic use of math skills, use of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts at or within arms length, operation of machines, and determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work;
  • The worker is subject to inside environmental conditions, extreme heat, noise, hazards, and atmospheric conditions.
  • The worker may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.
  • May require temporary assignments in multiple schools as needed.

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