Registered Dietician

General Description Under the direction of the Executive Director or Assistant Executive Director, provides clinical services in areas of nutritional documentation and assessment in accordance with current federal, state, and local guidelines and regulations. Adheres to established policies and procedures. Provides oversight of planning, managing, and implementing of the Food & Nutrition Services Departments’ activities. In short-term absence of a Director of Food & Nutrition Services, the Facility Registered Dietitian will direct the Food & Nutrition Services Department, its programs and activities.

Essential Duties

1. Completes initial, change of condition, annual and quarterly nutritional assessments, plus the MDS and Care Plan per regulation and company policy and procedure.

2. Participates in discharge planning, development, and implementation of patient Care Plan, patient assessments, etc.

3. Interviews patients and/or family members to obtain diet history.

4. Performs administrative requirements such as completing necessary forms, reports, etc., and submitting to the Executive Director as required.

5. Meets with administration, medical staff, and nursing staff, as well as other related departments in planning food service programs and activities.

6. Develops and maintains nutritional services objectives and standards.

7. Assists Director of Food & Nutrition Services in implementing and coordinating department policies and procedures.

8. Assists Director of Food & Nutrition Services in interpreting department policies and procedures to personnel, resident, visitors, family members, etc., as necessary.

9. Reviews department policies, procedures, manuals, job descriptions, etc., at least annually and participates in making recommended changes.

10. Assists in the development / monitoring / maintaining of the department budget.

11. Develops and participates in programs designed for in-service education, on the job training, and orientation classes for newly assigned department personnel.

12. Assists in the recruitment, selection, and training of a Director of Food & Nutrition Services, as requested.

13. Involves the resident / family in planning objectives and goals for the resident.

14. Reviews and edits menus as prescribed by the Diet Manual.

15. Writes and approves therapeutic diets not defined on the cycle menu for which there are physician orders, instructs the staff on proper service of diets

16. Inspects the food service area and practices for compliance with current applicable regulations.

17. Serves on various committees of the Facility as appointed by the Executive Director.

8. Documents on high risk residents monthly.

19. Conducts weekly weight committee meetings.

Standard Requirements 1. Supports the Mission, Values and Vision of the Facility. 2. Is knowledgeable of resident rights and supports an atmosphere which allows for the privacy, dignity and well-being of all residents in a safe, secure environment. 3. Supports, cooperates with, and implements specific procedures and programs for: OSHA and safety, including standard precautions and safe work practices, established fire/safety/disaster plans, risk management, and security, report and/or correct unsafe working conditions, equipment repair and maintenance needs. 4. Adheres to: a. Confidentiality of all data, including resident, employee and operations data. b. HIPAA regulations c. Quality Assurance requirements and compliance with regulatory requirements. d. Compliance with current law and policy to provide a work environment free from sexual harassment and illegal and discriminatory behavior. e. Code of Conduct and Compliance Program when performing work functions. 5. Supports and participates in common teamwork: a. Cooperates and works together with all co-workers; plans and completes job duties with minimal supervisory direction, including appropriate judgment. b. Uses tactful, appropriate communications in sensitive and emotional situations. c. Follows up as appropriate with supervisor, co-workers or residents regarding reported complaints, problems and concerns. d. Promotes positive public relations with residents, family members and guests. e. Completes requirements for in-service training, acceptable attendance, uniform and dress codes including personal hygiene, and other work duties as assigned. f. Participates as assigned in the orientation of new staff and demonstrates a positive, helpful, and enthusiastic attitude. 6. Immediately reports incidents of alleged resident abuse or neglect or alleged violations of residents’ rights to Supervisor or Executive Director. 7. Maintains current practice standards or changes by participating in educational opportunities provided by the Facility and outside resources. 

Qualifications Education/Training/Experience: Must be a qualified dietician or other clinically qualified nutrition professional either fulltime, part-time or on a consultant basis. A qualified dietician or other clinically qualified nutrition professional is one who - i. Holds a bachelor’s or higher degree granted by a regionally accredited college or university in the United States (or an equivalent foreign degree) with completion of the academic requirements of a program in nutrition or dietetics accredited by an appropriate national accreditation organization recognized for this purpose. ii. Has completed at least 900 hours of supervised dietetics practice under the supervision of a registered dietician or nutrition professional. iii. Is licensed or certified as a dietician or nutrition professional by the State in which the services are performed. In a state that does not provide for licensure or certification, the individual will be deemed to have met this requirement if he or she is recognized as a “registered dietician” by the Commission on Dietetic Registration or its successor organization. iv. For dieticians hired or contracted with prior to November 28, 2016, meets these requirements no later than 5 years after November 28, 2016 or as required by state law. A.D.A ((Americans with Disabilities Act)(as amended)) REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to bend, stoop, push, pull, and walk and stand for most of the working day. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as fax, telephone, etc. Requires normal range of hearing and vision. Must be free from communicable diseases that pose a "direct threat" to the health or safety of others and which cannot be eliminated by a reasonable accommodation. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, and be able to carry and transport supplies. Must be able to pass a post-offer, preemployment physical health examination as a condition of employment. Must be capable of performing the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation(s). Skill(s): Must possess proficient reading, writing, grammar, and mathematics skills; proficient interpersonal relations and communication skills; decision-making skills, basic computer skills; and be able to operate various medical and/or office equipment. Must demonstrate knowledge of safety techniques. Must be able to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing, and possess sufficient communication skills to perform the task required.