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.