Job Description

A member of the multi-disciplinary health care team responsible for the design, coordination and implementation of optimal nutritional care and education of patients/clients in accordance with established standards of care.

A. Nutrition Counseling

1. Provide individual initial and follow up appointments for outpatient nutritional counseling
2. Prepare for outpatient nutritional counseling for individual needs and specific diseases.
3. Utilize age-specific physiological and developmental assessment criteria, assess nutritional needs of patients which have been screened and identified in need of medical nutrition therapy
4. Considering age specific physiological and developmental needs and cultural socioeconomic issues, develop plan of care to achieve desired outcomes; monitor and reassess in accordance with established standards of care to evaluate outcomes and revise plan of care as needed to improve outcomes.
5. Communicate nutrition needs and care issues to other health care providers via documentation using the Nutrition Care Process and ADIME.
6. Educate patients, family and/or significant others in normal and therapeutic nutrition based on assessment of individual learning needs (cognitive/emotional relative to age; cultural, and spiritual)
7. Develop education materials to be utilized in patient education.
8. Develop nutritional care plans and outline goals with patient and their family based on existing nutritional standards of care.

C. Corporate Wellness Services

1. Develop or modify, provide, and evaluate group presentations including lunch and learns and displays.
2. Conduct various corporate wellness activities

a. Plan and develop presentation and activities involved

b. Develop and update a “projected/proposed“ budget and an “actual” budget for each class

c. Administer presentation or program activity utilizing materials for audience participation and engagement.

d. Document pre and post data and provide executive summary on class outcomes

1. Assist in other corporate wellness activities when needed (such as biometric screenings).

D. Community Programs and Activities

1. Conduct various community programs

a. Plan, develop, and administer program including group presentations and appropriate group activities.

b. Develop and update a “projected/proposed“ budget and an “actual” budget for each class

c. Document pre and post data and provide executive summary on class outcomes

1. Provide support for Health Fairs and other community events.

G. Professional Development/ Performance Improvement

1. Maintain high level of competency and professional development through appropriate journals, books, websites, and attendance of seminars, workshops and meetings/conferences.
2. Participate in competency assessment process and self evaluation to establish professional goals and development plan emphasizing area of specialization as appropriate.
3. Provide educational opportunities for staff members.
4. Participate in interdepartmental and intradepartmental performance improvement activities related to patient care and service.
5. Maintains effective written and oral communication within institution/organization and department.

H. Patient Contact

Evidence exists that The Christ Hospital staff considers the special needs and behaviors of the specific patient populations served. Evidence also exists that shows the staff demonstrates those competencies that address the unique characteristics related to developmental, physical, psychosocial, mental, emotional, and social needs of patients across the life span. Employees should also be able to demonstrate those competencies that address the needs of patients with unique cultural norms, religious preferences, language/communication barriers and/or literacy limitations.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Please describe any specialized knowledge or skills, which are REQUIRED to perform the position duties. Do not personalize the job description, credentials, or knowledge and skills based on the current associate. List any special education required for this position.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s/Master’s degree from Coordinated Program or Didactic Program in Dietetics or Bachelor’s degree with certificate in Didactic Program in dietetics and Dietetic Internship or Preprofessional Practice program all accredited by the Commission on Accreditation/Approval for Dietetics Education (CAADE) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: Experience in general clinical dietetics practice desirable. One year’s experience in practice area preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: In depth knowledge of normal and therapeutic nutrition, nutrition requirements of individuals of all ages and physical/disease states. Ability to assess nutritional status/risk and develop comprehensive care plans for all levels of nutritional risk patients. Development and implementation of effective nutrition education plans/programs for a variety of target audiences. Strong verbal and written communication skills are required in addition to good interpersonal skills, problem solving, decision making, time management and leadership skills. Computer skills strongly preferred.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

Active Registration Status with The Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association is required. Current License to Practice Dietetics in the State of practice (Ohio/Kentucky) is required. Registration eligible (with a limited permit to practice in OH) may be considered with successful completion of the registration exam required prior to the 90 day review. Active professional certification specific to practice specialty preferred when applicable.