Patient Dietary Specialist

Patient Dietary Specialist Align Treatment Center - 5.0 Escondido, CA Job Details Full-time $19 - $22 an hour 5 hours ago Benefits 401(k) Paid time off 401(k) matching Qualifications Teamwork Interpersonal skills Driver's License Organizational skills Dietetics Food Handler Certification Meal assistance Full Job Description About Align Treatment Center Align Treatment Center is a residential treatment program providing compassionate, evidence-based care for adolescents with eating disorders. Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to create a safe, supportive, and recovery-focused environment where patients can build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and achieve long-term wellness. We are currently seeking a dedicated and compassionate Patient Dietary Specialist (PDS) to join our dietary and clinical support team. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals pursuing a career in nutrition, dietetics, behavioral health, or eating disorder treatment. Position Summary The Patient Dietary Specialist supports the dietary department through meal preparation, kitchen operations, patient meal supervision, and administrative support. This role plays an important part in helping residents build healthy relationships with food while maintaining a structured and therapeutic dining environment. The ideal candidate is organized, emotionally mature, team-oriented, and passionate about supporting adolescents in recovery. Essential Responsibilities Meal Preparation & Kitchen Support Assist with cooking, baking, meal preparation, and snack preparation following Registered Dietitian guidance Portion and serve meals according to individualized meal plans and dietary requirements Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment Follow all food safety, storage, and sanitation procedures Patient Meal Supervision Supervise meals and snacks in a supportive, structured, and therapeutic manner Encourage normalized eating behaviors using the plate model and "all foods fit" philosophy Provide redirection and support while maintaining appropriate boundaries Collaborate with clinical and patient care staff to support residents during mealtimes Inventory & Administrative Support Assist with inventory tracking, stock rotation, and supply organization Monitor food expiration dates and kitchen supply levels Maintain accurate meal documentation and dietary records Support scheduling, organization, and additional dietary department tasks as needed Patient Support Help maintain a safe and supportive environment for adolescent residents Assist with supervision and support during meals and related activities Participate as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary treatment team Qualifications Currently pursuing a degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or related field preferred Food service, dietary, or behavioral health experience preferred Knowledge of nutrition principles and eating disorder recovery preferred Must obtain or provide a valid San Diego County Food Handler's Permit upon hire Ability to maintain professionalism and therapeutic boundaries Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills Must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license and reliable transportation Ability to work flexible hours as needed, including occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts Why Join Align? Meaningful work supporting adolescent recovery Collaborative and mission-driven team environment Opportunity for growth within behavioral health and nutrition services Hands-on experience in eating disorder treatment and residential care Supportive leadership and multidisciplinary collaboration Additional Information Align Treatment Center maintains a drug-free workplace and may conduct pre-employment substance abuse testing in accordance with applicable law. We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all applicants without regard to any legally protected characteristics. This job posting is intended to provide a general overview of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may be modified at any time to meet organizational needs. Employment with Align Treatment Center is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the organization at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.

Pay:

$19.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Paid time off

Work Location:

In person