What Are Support Services?

Support Services in long-term care encompass the essential non-clinical operations that ensure a safe, comfortable, and well-functioning environment for residents and staff. These services include dietary and nutrition support, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, and transportation—all vital to maintaining quality of life and daily facility operations. Support Services staff play a crucial role in fostering a clean, welcoming, and dignified living space where residents’ physical and emotional needs are met, complementing the medical and social care provided by nursing and therapy teams.

Housekeeping

A Housekeeping staff member maintains a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for residents, staff, and visitors throughout the facility.

Maintenance

A Maintenance worker performs repairs, upkeep, and safety checks to ensure the facility’s equipment, systems, and grounds remain in excellent condition.

Dietary Aide

A Dietary Aide assists with meal preparation, serving, and cleanup while helping residents follow their prescribed diets and enjoy positive dining experiences.

Laundry

A Laundry staff member ensures residents’ clothing and linens are properly cleaned, sanitized, and returned promptly to maintain comfort and hygiene.

Cook

A Cook prepares nutritious, appealing meals that meet residents’ dietary needs and comply with health and safety standards.

Dietary Manager

A Dietary Manager oversees the food service department, ensuring meals meet nutritional standards, resident preferences, and regulatory compliance.

Housekeeping Assistant

What They Do

The Housekeeping Assistant keeps the facility and resident rooms clean, odor free, and in good order. They provide a clean, appealing, safe, and sanitary environment for the facilities residents, visitors, and staff. The Housekeeping Supervisor directs, controls, plans, and modifies the Housekeeping department to ensure a clean and safe environment for the facility.

Education & Experience

The Housekeeping Assistant position does not require any specific education. A supervisor must have a high school diploma or equivalent, at least two years of housekeeping experience and be willing to receive education on leadership and supervision.

Certifications

This position does not require formal certifications, though relevant experience and skills are valued.

Next Steps

Environmental Services Director

Laundry Assistant

What They Do

The Laundry Assistant keeps facility linens and personal clothing clean and in good repair, maintains standards of sanitation and meets residents’ daily laundry needs by providing adequate supplies of clean clothing and house linens. The Laundry Supervisor directs, controls, plans and modifies the Housekeeping Department to ensure a clean and safe environment for the facility.

Education & Experience

The Laundry Assistant position does not require any specific education. The Laundry Supervisor must have a high school diploma or equivalent, have least two years of laundry or relevant experience and be willing to receive education on leadership and supervision.

Certifications

This position does not require formal certifications, though relevant experience and skills are valued.

Next Steps

Environmental Services Director

Maintenance Assistant

What They Do

A Maintenance Assistant helps ensure the comfort and safety of residents, staff, and visitors by assisting with repairs, maintenance, and custodial tasks throughout the facility and grounds. They work under the Maintenance Supervisor to maintain a clean, safe, and well-functioning environment that supports daily operations and resident well-being.

Education & Experience

The Maintenance Supervisor must have a working knowledge of plumbing/heating, understand safety with electricity and have the ability to repair items.

Certifications

This position does not require formal certifications, though relevant experience and skills are valued.

Next Steps

Environmental Services Director

Cook

What They Do

The Cook is responsible for the preparation and service of all food and nourishment. This position is responsible for cleaning all equipment, pots and pans, and utensils used in the preparation and service of food. They are also responsible for cleaning their own working area. This position is considered to be a working leadership position and requires self-discipline, diplomacy, and adaptability.

Education & Experience

Candidates should be skilled in preparing large-batch meals that meet specific dietary guidelines and consistency standards. Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation procedures, and nutrition principles is essential to ensure residents receive high-quality, appetizing, and well-balanced meals tailored to their individual needs.

Certifications

A Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) and Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) certification are required, demonstrating expertise in food safety, nutrition management, and regulatory compliance to ensure high-quality meal service and proper dietary care within the facility.

Next Steps

Assistant Dietary Manager
Certified Dietary Manager

Dietary Aide

What They Do

The Dietary Aide is responsible for the proper delivery of meals and nutrients at scheduled times and places while assisting in sanitary maintenance of the assigned work area.

Education & Experience

No previous work experience is required for a Dietary Aide position; however, experience in food service, hospitality, or healthcare settings can be helpful. Familiarity with safe food handling, sanitation practices, and customer service can also support success in this role.

Certifications

This position does not require formal certifications, though relevant experience and skills are valued.

Next Steps

Assistant Dietary Manager
Dietary Manager

Dietary Manager

What They Do

The Assistant Dietary Manager supports daily operations, addresses departmental issues, and assumes leadership duties in the Dietary Manager’s absence. The Dietary Manager oversees staff, meal preparation, and service to ensure quality, safety, and sanitation standards are met.

Education & Experience

The Assistant Dietary Manager must have a high school diploma and at least two years of dietary experience, and must complete an online dietary manager course within one year. The Dietary Manager requires a high school diploma, a minimum of five years of dietary experience, and either a dietary manager’s certificate or professional chef experience.

Certifications

The Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) exam is available to dietary managers who meet the eligibility requirements of the Association of Nutrition & Food service Professionals (ANFP).

Next Steps

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