Job Description
Counsel individuals and groups on nutritional practices designed to prevent/manage disease and promote good health. Evaluates individual needs; develop nutritional care plans; instruct individuals and their families; performs nutrition screenings; insulin teaching and offers Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) on diet-related concerns such as weight management, cardiovascular disease, diabetes education, renal disease, gastrointestinal disorders, sports nutrition, healthy meal plans and other chronic diseases/conditions.
SUPERVISION: Directly supervised by the Chief Medical Officer.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires prolonged sitting, standing, long hours, lifting up to 25 pounds. Travel may be required.
FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assess nutritional needs, diet restrictions and current health plans, to develop and implement dietary-care plans and provide nutritional counseling for Center patients.
- Consult with physicians and health care personnel to determine nutritional needs and diet restrictions of patient.
- Advise patients and their families on nutritional principles, dietary plans and diet modifications, and food selection and preparation.
- Counsel individuals and groups on basic rules of good nutrition, healthy eating habits, and nutrition monitoring to improve their quality of life.
- Develop policies related to dietary and nutritional guidelines to assist in health promotion and disease control.
- Updates policies and procedures in accordance with current dietary and nutritional standards of care.
- Develop curriculum and prepare manuals, visual aids, course outlines, and other materials used dietetics and nutrition teaching.
- Coordinate medical nutrition therapy services.
- Conduct telemedicine visits at health center locations or non-health center locations (from provider's home) for registered patients of the Center.
- Plan and conduct training programs in dietetics and nutrition for health-care personnel, health promoters and the general public.
- Functions as part of a team while being self-motivated and self-directed.
- Maintains strict confidentiality of patient information and patient records.
- Serves as resource and nutrition specialist for the behavioral health program and the Diabetes Self-Management Education Program staff.
- Documents the nutrition counseling sessions in the Electronic Health Record on the appropriate templates.
- Initiates, oversees program accreditation and recognition and provides ongoing support for a Center-wide approved Diabetes Education Accreditation Program by the American Association of Certified Educators or National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support by the American Diabetes Association.
- Participates in the Center peer review process.
- Able to successfully interact with people from diverse backgrounds and occupations.
- Travels to all clinic sites as requested.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Above-average oral and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of goals and general methods of practice used by other professionals, including teaching skills.
- Ability to exercise good judgment.
- Managerial-level computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment. Must include Excel and skills in database management and record keeping.
- Evidence of the practice of a high level of confidentiality.
- Excellent organizational skills.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in dietetics, nutrition, health sciences or related field required.
- Registered Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetics Registration / Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Licensed by the State of Texas.
- Must have a current BLS certificate.
OR
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing.
- Licensed to practice as a registered nurse in Texas with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing form an accredited college or university.
- Must have a current BLS certificate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Certified Diabetes Educator by the National Certification Board of Diabetes Educators.
- Minimum of three (3) years' experience in providing nutritional education and disease management teaching/counseling.
- Active affiliation with appropriate dietetic networks and organizations (e.g. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, etc.) is preferred.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
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