Job Description

CLINICAL PRACTICE:

Provide direct patient care at least 50% of scheduled hours. Demonstrates advanced clinical practice in pediatric nutrition and is a clinical mentor for staff. Provides coaching regarding all clinical and non-clinical duties of the assigned Clinical Nutrition team. Leads patient care teams and represents the department on hospital wide and/or community-based committees.

EDUCATION/RESEARCH: - Models evidence based clinical care and leads staff with performing research endeavors, literature reviews and presents information to enhance staff’s knowledge. Identify opportunities for staff development. Partner with internal/external resources to implement action plans, measuring success with patient outcomes.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

Leads 5-10 full time equivalent Clinical Nutrition team members as assigned. Responsible for orienting, training, checking the work of others, maintaining workflow status, tracking employee time on the timekeeping system and providing input on performance and hire/fire decisions.

Identifies staff, equipment, supply and service issues; communicates with appropriate personnel and follows through to resolve resource issues.

Demonstrates commitment to continuous quality improvement; leads change processes by independently coordinating quality improvement activities for the department.

Follows through to resolution issues identified in patient satisfaction survey or through patient/parent complaint process.

Assists in coordinating day-to-day activities and operations of the assigned Clinical Nutrition teams and their areas; ensure adherence to regulatory, organizational and department policies and procedures. Serves as a receptor, mentor, and resource to staff.

Leads Quality Improvement process (as well as HACCP) and utilizes information to further enhance the quality of services provided by the department. Leads program development and staff education/training.

Assists in the testing and coordination of electronic nutrition system updates and monitoring.

Assist in the scheduling of the assigned Clinical Nutrition team and provides performance management support with nutrition manager to Clinical Nutrition staff.

Demonstrates knowledge of population-specific differences and needs of patients in populations from neonate through adolescence, and applies them to practice. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families and co-workers.

Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with the Connecticut Children’s STANDARDS.

Position Specific Role Responsibilities

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in the oversight of inpatient and outpatient dietitian team for day to day activities according to hospital, department and regulatory guidelines
• Assists in leading process and quality improvement initiatives
• Assists in leading HACCP projects and initiatives
• Assists in scheduling of assigned clinical nutrition team, as well as overseeing of assignments
• Assist in performance management, including annual team and competency reviews of the team as assigned
• Provides team member coaching regarding job performance
• Maintenance team member adherence to organization and department policies, standards and procedures
• Provides input into the department of clinical nutrition leadership regarding the departmental goals and role with the organizational strategic goals
• Assists with team member hiring, training and onboarding
• Monitors assigned staff productivity and holds staff accountable for achieving productivity goals.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Education Required: Bachelor or Master's of Science in Nutrition or completion of Didactic Program in Dietetics in accordance with Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics leading to registration eligibility.

Experience Required:

Position Specific Job Education and/or Experience

Three - five years of recent acute care staff nutrition experience with inpatient population.

LICENSE and/or CERTIFICATION REQUIRED

American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider required.
Registered Dietitian (R.D.) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics preferred and required within 6 months of hire.
CT State certification (CD-N) is preferred and required within 6 months of hire.
Registration eligibility is that established by the Committee on Dietetic Registration and may include Completion of an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics along with
•Accredited Dietetic Internship Program
OR
•Accredited Coordinated Program

Position Specific Job License and/or Certification Required

Not applicable

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

KNOWLEDGE OF:
Medical Nutrition Therapy in accordance with Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics standards.
Medical Terminology.
Drug Nutrient Interactions.
Pediatric genetic/metabolic disease states.
Related accreditation and certification requirements; quality, safety, and infection control standards

SKILLS:
Computer proficiency in Windows environment
Beginning to intermediate skill in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point
Excellent Time Management, Organizational and Communication Skills
Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills.
Bilingual skills preferred

ABILITY TO:
Work assigned off-shifts, including evenings, weekends & holidays.
Understand and interpret educational needs; determine training objectives; and to design, develop,
implement, and evaluate training plans, curricula, and methodology.

Provide expert care and consultation to patients/families, demonstrate clinical competencies within specialty area, and assess the competencies of others.

Demonstrate all Connecticut Children’s Leadership competencies or potential to do so.
Assess performance of assigned therapists both clinical and behavioral via performance appraisal; and to serve as a coach, mentor or preceptor.

Utilize independent judgment to resolve problems and make decisions on routine managerial matters on assigned shift.

Hold assigned staff accountable for Connecticut Children’s core behaviors, role accountabilities, and professional development plan.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ensure own reliable transportation to and from various locations in the State of Connecticut for service delivery.

Instruct patients/families in physical therapy methods and the use of facilities and equipment.

Ensure confidentiality of patient and employee information.

Physical Requirements:

Foot/motor vehicle TRAVEL MAY BE REQUIRED BETWEEN SITES/CLINICS.

Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children’s offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.

At Connecticut Children’s, treating children isn’t just our job – it’s our passion. As a leading children’s health system experiencing steady growth, we’re excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children’s health and well-being as one team.