A high school diploma or GED is required to become a diet helper, with on-the-job training provided. They assist in planning and serving healthy meals in healthcare facilities and schools, and may need food safety certification. Good communication, math, and physical skills are also necessary.
The main requirement for a person who wants to become a diet helper is a high school diploma. A person in this field can also get a job after earning a General Educational Development (GED) degree or an acceptable equivalent. A person interested in this job usually needs good communication, reading and math skills, as well as the ability to stand, walk and lift heavy items throughout their workday.
A diet helper is a person who helps cooks and other staff plan, prepare, and serve healthy meals. People in this field often find work in healthcare facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes, as well as in schools. Food advisors help create menus, often focused on nutritious foods. They may also keep records of patients’ diets and communicate with other staff members regarding specific dietary requirements. They often ensure food is served in a clean and appetizing manner, assist with food-related sanitation, and help prepare facility kitchens for inspections.
After finishing high school or earning a GED, a person who wants to become a diet helper usually doesn’t need specific training. Usually, a person interested in this field receives on-the-job training. He can get related training, however, by taking courses related to nutrition and food service at a community college. Some vocational schools also offer these courses.
In some places, a person who wants to work as a diet aid also needs to obtain food safety certification. If this is necessary, it is usually not a very time consuming process. To learn the certification criteria, a prospective assessor can contact their jurisdiction’s department of health.
A person who wants to become a diet helper must be in good general health. If he has any communicable disease, he is not a good candidate for this job. Good health is also required for standing, walking and bending, which is often required throughout the day. A person in this field may also need to lift heavy weight, including boxes of food and supplies that can weigh 50 pounds or more. Also, a person in this field must be able to withstand temperature fluctuations such as getting into a large freezer or using an oven.
Mathematics, reading and writing, and verbal communication skills are also important for a person who wants to become a diet helper. He may have to read and write diet logs, menus and recipes, using math to adjust amounts as needed. He will also likely have to communicate not only with the staff at the facility he works at, but also with the patients or others he helps serve.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
