Vice President of Dietary Services

Avamere Living

25117 SW Parkway, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070

Job Summary

The Vice President of Dietary Services is responsible for overseeing and managing the dietary services department within long-term care facilities in Oregon and Washington. The Vice President of Dietary Services will ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, develop and implement nutritional programs that meet the dietary needs of residents, manage departmental budgets, and provide leadership to dietary staff. The role requires a commitment to high-quality food service, resident satisfaction, and maintaining a safe, compliant, and efficient operation. 

Essential Duties and Job Responsibilities

Leadership & Management:

Collaborates with facility Administrator on leading, training and mentoring dietary staff across multiple facilities. Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to facility dietary personnel to maintain high service standards. Collaborates with facility Administrator to ensure staff schedules meet operational and regulatory requirements. Hiring, training, coaching, counseling, and direction to indirect and direct reports to ensure continued professional growth and development. 

Regulatory Compliance:

Develops, revises and ensures all policies, procedures and job descriptions are up to date and follow all State and Federal regulations. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations (including CMS, OSHA, and Health Department standards). Develop and implement policies that meet safety and sanitation regulations, including HACCP. Stay current with regulatory changes in long-term care dietary services in Oregon and Washington.

Nutritional Care & Menu Planning:

Collaborate with registered dietitians to design and implement menus that meet residents' nutritional needs, preferences, and any specific dietary restrictions. Ensure food is prepared and served in a safe, nutritious, and appealing manner. Oversee individualized dietary plans for residents, including therapeutic diets, in collaboration with medical staff.

Budget & Inventory Management:

Develop and manage the dietary services budget, ensuring cost-effective operations without compromising service quality; to include labor, supplies, food and equipment.  Procurement expert and manages supplier vendor relationships. Oversee purchasing and inventory control for all food and supplies, ensuring compliance with nutritional standards and cost-effectiveness. Monitor food waste and implement strategies to minimize it.

Resident Satisfaction & Engagement:

Conduct regular resident surveys and feedback sessions to assess satisfaction with dietary services. Respond to concerns and adjust dietary services as needed to meet residents’ needs and preferences. Organize and implement special events related to food and dining experiences for residents.

Continuous Improvement:

Identify areas for improvement in service delivery, food quality, and operational efficiency. Implement quality assurance and performance improvement programs (QAPI) for the dietary department.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in Dietetics or Nutrition; Ten (10) years of experience in dietary services leadership, food service management and nutrition, within the long-term care or healthcare setting. ServSafe Certification or equivalent food safety certification required. Demonstrable experience in menu planning, budget management, and regulatory compliance. Strong knowledge of dietary standards in long-term care facilities, including nutritional needs of elderly residents. Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage multiple teams. Budget management and strategic planning skills. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to adapt and work effectively across multiple facilities in different states.

Preferred Qualifications

Licensed Dietitian or Registered Dietitian (LD/RD) preferred in Oregon and Washington. Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel between facilities in Oregon and Washington.

Avamere Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify.