Dining Services Assistant - Part-time

Join Our Dining Services Team as a Dining Assistant!  

Starting pay will vary based on job-related skills, experience, and qualifications 

Job Title: Dining Services Assistant (DSA)

Location: 3935 Sunnyside Drive Harrisonburg VA 22801 Healthcare & Assisted Living

Hours: Evening shift part-time opportunities available! (4:15 pm-7:45 pm).

Weekend availability is required.

Position Overview & General Responsibilities:

Are you passionate about providing excellent service and enhancing the dining experience for seniors? As a Dining Services Assistant (DSA), you’ll play a vital role in ensuring that our healthcare and assisted living residents enjoy nutritious, delicious meals in a home-like environment. You’ll assist with meal service, accommodate dietary needs, and create a positive dining experience, all while working closely with our dedicated dining team. Help make mealtime a highlight of our residents' day while contributing to their overall well-being!

• Review dietary information: Follow instructions on break-down sheets, labels, and diet cards to ensure proper food preparation (e.g., regular, pureed, mechanical soft) and portion sizes for each resident’s specific needs.
• Ensure meals are served perfectly: Prepare or assist in ensuring meals are served at the right temperature and according to individual preferences and dietary restrictions.
• Tray delivery: Prepare and deliver meal trays to residents as required, ensuring timely and accurate service.
• Maintain cleanliness: Keep all food preparation and service areas clean, sanitized, and organized to ensure a safe dining environment.
• Dishwashing and sanitization: Operate the dishwasher and clean all dishes, utensils, and serving trays after meals.
• Equipment operation: Safely operate kitchen equipment like dishwashers, garbage disposals, microwaves, griddles, and toasters as part of your duties.
• Food stock and storage: Stock, remove, cover, and store foods properly. Ensure all food is labeled, dated, and stored following safety regulations.
• Follow First In, First Out Method: Manage food inventory by checking expiration dates and rotating stock regularly.
• Cleaning chemicals management: Store and use cleaning solutions safely and according to guidelines to maintain cleanliness in all areas.
• Train new team members: Assist in training and supporting new employees, helping them learn the ropes and perform the job effectively.
• Be a dependable team member: Demonstrate punctuality and reliability, reporting to work on time and ready to contribute.
• Provide exceptional service: Assist residents in the dining room—take orders, serve food, refill drinks, bus tables, and ensure a comfortable dining experience.
• Support diverse dietary needs: Recognize and accommodate the unique dietary needs of an aging population, ensuring every resident’s meal is safe and satisfying.

Join a Team That Makes You Proud – At Sunnyside, We SHINE Together!

Imagine working in a place where your contributions truly matter, and you're inspired every day to grow. At Sunnyside, we believe in creating a work environment where each team member can S.H.I.N.E – Service Before Self, Hospitality with Heart, Inspiring Excellence in Each Other, Nothing Less Than the Best, and Enjoy Your Journey. Here, you’ll find a blend of flexibility, growth opportunities, and a safe, supportive learning environment where you can thrive. With on-site training and a motivating atmosphere, Sunnyside is the perfect place to launch your career and reach new heights.

Located on 150+ acres in the scenic Shenandoah Valley of Harrisonburg, Virginia, Sunnyside is a vibrant, not-for-profit Senior Living life plan community where over 500 residents call home. Our residents enjoy a range of living options, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, and Long-Term Care. Our beautiful campus offers a variety of amenities designed to enhance the lives of both residents and staff, such as an on-site restaurant, award-winning vitality center, therapy services, fishing ponds, walking trails, and more! In addition to all the perks, we offer generous paid time off (even for part-time staff), professional development opportunities, and a fun, supportive team atmosphere. With flexibility and opportunities for growth, you'll feel right at home at Sunnyside. Ready to make a real impact? Join us and experience the difference!

Employee Benefits and Perk 

• $60 annual shoe reimbursement
• Flexible scheduling
• Paid time off (even for part-time roles)
• Growth and on-site training opportunities
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Access to our wellness and vitality centers
• Employee assistance program
• Referral bonus program

Physical and Environmental Considerations:

This job operates indoors in a general kitchen and dining room environment with varying floor surfaces. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is frequently required to routinely sit, stand, reach, lift, bend, kneel, stoop, climb, push and pull items weighing 30 lbs or less and occasionally more than 50 lbs. The position requires manual dexterity; auditory and visual skills; and the ability to follow written and oral instructions and procedures. General hazards related to operation of kitchen equipment as well as exposure to sanitizing and cleaning chemicals and wet floor surfaces which require slip-resistant shoes. Minimal hazards if universal precautions are followed.