About The Role

Skilled Nursing Facility — Ordway, Colorado 8-Week Contract Assignment | $40–$50/hour | Housing Available

The Opportunity

A skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Ordway, Colorado has an immediate need for an experienced Interim Dietary Manager to lead its food service program for an approximately 8-week assignment. This is a hands-on leadership role overseeing all dietary operations — staff supervision, therapeutic diet management, sanitation, purchasing, and regulatory compliance — with full support from facility administration.

Assignment Details

Duration: ~8 weeks (interim coverage)
Compensation: $40–$50/hour, based on experience
Housing: Available — on-site housing at the facility or off-site housing in nearby Las Animas
Location: Ordway, CO — within driving distance of Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and Denver
Start: Immediate

Required Qualifications (Firm)

Candidates must hold one of the following

Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) credential — ServSafe or other food-safety certifications alone do NOT meet this requirement , or
Associate degree (2-year) or higher in Culinary Studies

Additionally

High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum 1 year of successful dietary management experience in a healthcare facility (skilled nursing, long-term care, or hospital setting strongly preferred)
Working knowledge of therapeutic/modified diets, food sanitation and safety regulations, food and labor law, and large-scale purchasing and budgeting
Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments
Ability to meet the physical demands of an active kitchen environment, including regularly lifting 35+ lbs and occasionally up to 80 lbs

Key Responsibilities

Food Service Leadership

Direct all phases of dietary services, including preparation and service of a variety of therapeutic diets for residents with specific nutritional needs
Supervise, schedule, train, and evaluate cooks and dietary aides; delegate workload based on staff competency and facility layout
Step in as cook or aide when staffing shortages require
Maintain high standards of sanitation, safety, and equipment operation and care

Purchasing & Operations

Purchase food and dietary supplies within budget; manage inventory and verify deliveries against specifications
Maintain standardized recipes and supervise their use
Post written, dated work assignments in the kitchen aligned to resident dietary needs

Clinical & Compliance

Develop, implement, and periodically review the nutritional care component of each resident's care plan; document within required time frames
Attend care plan team meetings and quarterly resident interviews
Ensure nutrition counseling is provided and documented for residents with prescribed dietary modifications
Advise the attending physician or DON when nutritional requirements cannot be met through meals and supplements
Maintain resident diet records and tray card updates
Implement facility resident care and infection control policies related to dietary services
Participate in quality assurance meetings, in-services, and required committees

Work Environment

Active kitchen and office environment requiring sustained standing, walking, bending, and lifting. Frequent interaction with residents and families, often during emotionally difficult circumstances — maturity, professionalism, and compassion are essential.