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At Houston Methodist, the Dietary Clerk position is responsible for performing customer-oriented activities and various background operational duties relating to obtaining Room Service orders and the entry of meal selections via the departmental computerized software. This position for taking diet orders from patients, explaining which diet patients are on and answering questions regarding food choices. The Dietary Clerk position assists with patient tray assembly. This position organizes menus by unit and utilizes departmental computerized software to supplement menus for patient meals that have not been ordered. The Dietary Clerk position is responsible for the calculation, delivery and tracking of nutrition products to the patient's bedside or patient care unit. This position follows all department policies and procedures and must comply with relevant local Food Ordinances.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Explains procedure for ordering of meals to all patients. Anticipates the need of the patient and responds appropriately. Interacts in a positive, professional manner with patients, family members and/or nursing on a daily basis. Communicates clearly and professionally, whether verbally or in writing, to take patient orders, promoting both work efforts and problem resolution.

• Communicates with unit and on-call Dietitian to clarify discrepancies in diet orders and to ensure patient needs are met. Partners with the Nutrition Assistant to ensure patients selections are communicated to tray line.

• Communicates pertinent information (difficulty eating, poor appetite, nourishment concerns, formula usage, requests to see the Dietitian, nutrition consult orders) to ensure proper handling and timely processing of information.

• Promotes, develops and sustains teamwork. Conducts self in a manner that is congruent with cultural diversity, equity and inclusion principles. Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists with incoming calls. Enters census for trays provided to guest and outpatient areas, accurately entering patient meal orders into the computerized departmental software. Dispatches received messages, as appropriate, and orders in a timely manner upon receipt.

• Navigates and confirm patient's diet orders and notes in EMR. Maintains knowledge of diets when negotiating alternatives to selections when items requested are not allowed on the patient's diet or when greater variety is needed, offers alternative items to increase patient satisfaction with service.

• Confers with patients by phone to obtain their patient meal request, utilizing computerized department software in recording information (allergies, late/hold, paper service, notes, etc.) in the proper manner so that concise instructions relating to patient care are maintained and followed. Assists in plating food items on patients' trays during peak times as per team leader or manager.

• Resolves promptly any issues, which may occur with any of the patient dining services programs and refers complaints to the appropriate departmental staff member for investigation and follow-up. Recommends improvements of department score for patient satisfaction, through peer-to-peer accountability to service standards.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Properly enters menu selections for patients with accuracy and consistency, keeping current and knowledgeable of patient diet orders and hospital menus. Delivers and updates Welcome Packets, patient menus.

• Compiles all documentation into monthly reports specified by management staff. Assists in creating reports and handouts per management request.

• Matches patient meal worksheets with the computerized departmental software sheets to determine accuracy of information received through the orders interface, ensuring that patient diets are appropriately modified to meet the physician prescribed diet order.

• Accurately notes patient preferences using information received from the tray check sheets, fax machines, printer, patient, nursing or the Dietitian.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Completes tracking of nutrition products delivered or returned. Inventories and keeps office supplies at pre-established amounts to reduce waste and stay within budgeting funds.

• Utilizes resources with cost effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

WORK EXPERIENCE

• One year experience in customer service, diet office, dietetic field or call center preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• Food Handlers Permit -- by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) or by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Demonstrates skills and initiative in problem-solving and improving productivity

• Ability to engage in multiple activities simultaneously, maintain accurate records and timely turnaround and completion of orders

• Demonstrates skills and ability to handle complaints and resolves problems in the absence of the Supervisor/Team Leader

• Must possess good communication skills and be able to work in a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrates skills and ability to obtain as well as analyze pertinent information in order to make informed decisions

• Able to work independently with limited supervision and requires the ability to listen well

• Demonstrates active listening skills giving full attention to what other people are saying

• Ability to adapt to a changing work environment

• Utilizes good judgment in professional decision-making

• Competency in standard software applications (Outlook, Excel) and the ability to the computerized departmental software system

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform Yes

• Scrubs No

• Business professional No

• Other (department approved) Yes

ON-CALL*

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL

Travel specifications may vary by department

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No

• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas and one of America’s “Best Hospitals.” As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation’s largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodist’s primary academic affiliates are among the nation’s leading health care organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. With 948 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and more than 8,400 employees, Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.