How to Become a Diet Clerk
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Diet Clerk
What does a Diet Clerk do?
A Diet Clerk provides assistance in all food service functions to ensure compliance with patients' prescribed nutrition plans. Assists the dietitian with patient data collection, nutrition screening, and modified menu planning. Being a Diet Clerk accurately edits patients' menu selections according to nutrition standards to ensure patients receive food that is compliant with diet orders. Assists in food preparation and serving. Additionally, Diet Clerk monitors intake and acceptance of required meals and supplements. Tracks patients' food intake and calorie count results. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a dietitian. The Diet Clerk works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
Diet clerks work in health-care facilities and assist dietitians in implementing diet programs for patients.
They have to maintain information on what diet is to be given to which patients and guide the serving personnel accordingly.
A diet clerk position in a medical facility requires experience in supervising food department and knowledge of diet and nutrition.
Diet Clerks are usually employed by hospitals and prepare portions for patients based on diet orders.
Common duties listed on a Diet Clerk example resume are assisting kitchen personnel, informing kitchen staff of food requirements, processing new diets, following standards established by dietitians, and preparing special nourishments.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Diet Clerk
Best tips for those who want to become a Diet Clerk
Here are some tips to become a Diet Clerk.
Ask for honest feedback As with most leadership skills, receiving honest feedback from peers, managers and members of your team is critical to becoming a better communicator.
To communicate effectively, it is important to get to know your audience first.
Tallies quantities of specific foods, such as vegetables and meats, to be prepared in kitchen.
Marks tally on master menu to inform kitchen personnel of food requirements.
Processes new diets and changes as required.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Diet Clerk
Best colleges and universities for Diet Clerk
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Diet Clerk
Is being a Diet Clerk Worth it?
Printing check-in and check-out summary, diets, activities, and End of Day settlement reports.
Successful completion of college courses with content including therapeutic diets, medical nutrition terminology, and anatomy and/or related experience preferred.
Minimum of 1-2 years experience as a diet clerk in a hospital setting (preferred).
Cleans dishes, areas and equipment related to Food Service and works closely with Diet Clerk, Clinical Dietitian(s), Supervisor, Housekeeping/Food Services.
The Unit Clerk will complete the clerical tasks assigned by the supervisor in accordance with corporate guidelines.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Diet Clerk
What skills do you need to be a Diet Clerk?
Although this job may seem to be a more junior position, there are still certain skill sets which an applicant needs to possess to do well. In order to support the team, a strong grasp of these skills is necessary: Food Services. Experience and professionalism are always important to landing any job, and a mastery of these skills will help amplify your qualifications.
A diet clerk position in a medical facility requires experience in supervising food department and knowledge of diet and nutrition.
As the job is recording and maintaining patients' diet programs, computer skills is must to show on the job application.
Excellent knowledge of various diet programs prescribed for patients according to their conditions.
Ability to enter and store diet order program into computer system and customized medical data management software.
Excellent communication skills for effective interaction with patients, family and staff regarding patient’s diet.
Step 6: View average salary for Diet Clerk
How much does a Diet Clerk make?
The average salary range for a Diet Clerk is from $31,386 to $38,559. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
-
View average salary for the United States
-
Adjust salary by state
Average salary for Diet Clerk jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Diet Clerk jobs, and apply.
Looking for Diet Clerk jobs?
Here are some Diet Clerk jobs in the United States.