Clinical Dietitian RD E

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General Purpose of Job:
Under the direction of Driscoll Children's Hospital WIC Director and the supervision of the Nutrition Coordinator, certifies clients for the WIC program and provides health and nutrition counseling to WIC clients. Conducts audits of charts. Develops education material based on public health initiatives. Provides intermediate level nutrition counseling. Leads intermediate level facilitated nutrition classes. Provides relief supervision in WIC clinics. Conducts outreach and Community Based Nutrition Education (CBNE). Operates within the framework of Driscoll Children's Hospitals mission, vision, and values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below and representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Maintains utmost level of confidentiality at all times.
Adheres to Department of State and Health Services (DSHS) policies and procedures.
Demonstrates business practices and personal actions that are ethical and adhere to corporate compliance and integrity guidelines.
Follows all DSHS provided training materials related to data collection, assessment, customer service, and civil rights training.

Certification process:

Determines eligibility for applicants using DSHS policies and procedures.
Performs finger sticks to determine hemoglobin and hematocrit using DSHS and manufacturer's equipment procedure manuals.
Obtains anthropometric data, graphs, and interprets growth charts and prenatal weight gain graphs.
Obtains and assesses a medical history.
Completes and assesses a diet recall as outlined in the DSHS training manual.
Identifies nutrition risk codes and nutrition care appropriate for the identified condition. Reviews all nutrition codes assigned by staff to ensure accuracy. Provides high risk level counseling.
Determines if client is eligible for WIC services. Determines frequency of issuance and reviews with client. Reviews client record to make sure information is complete. Signs and dates SIF and diet forms. Answers clients' questions and concerns.
Determines if client is not eligible for WIC services. Explains reasons why client is not eligible for WIC; completes documentations and signatures. Provides information on fair hearing procedures and responds to applicants questions.
Refers to social or health services as indicated. Reviews referrals forwarded by other staff to ensure accuracy.
Recognizes immediate need for medical and case management services and calls agency before client leaves the clinic.

Nutrition Classes:

Follows the lesson as written and approved for use. Provides correct code to the data entry staff.
Develops classes based on Nutrition Education, as assigned.
Provides group nutrition education classes using both traditional and facilitated techniques.
Ensures that clients are in the correct class. Offers options as needed.
Ensures that class is started on time and all materials needed for class are available.
Reviews immunization records at each class.
Remains in education room during class time.
Keeps education area neat and orderly.
Follows policy regarding clients who arrive late for class.
Uses approved icebreakers and other class interaction techniques.
Reviews self paced lessons as outlined in the policy.
Reviews effectiveness of the education; clarifies information as needed.
Ensures that nutrition education is presented according to policies, procedures, and approved plans.

Individual Counseling:

Follows all DSHS policies, procedures, and guidelines for nutrition and breastfeeding counseling.
Counsels clients regarding reduction of health risks - basic and intermediate level. Enters the correct counseling codes on client's forms.
Explains class options to client or refers for individual counseling at the next appointment.
Evaluates effectiveness of counseling; provides follow up counseling as needed.
Encourages breastfeeding to all prenatal women; supports mother's final choices for feeding her child.
Assists client to access community health and nutrition resources as needed.
Assigns appropriate formula and food codes at certification and as needed.
Effectively applies in-depth knowledge of maternal and child nutrition, while teaching.
Provides high risk level counseling.
Reviews immunization records at each certification and individual counseling visit.

Clinic Level Relief Supervision:

As needed, supervises all aspects of WIC operations within assigned clinic sites to ensure compliance with Hospital, State, and departmental policies and JCAHO standards. When acting as the supervisor, provides policy interpretation for staff, as necessary.
Responsible for sound management of human resources.
Makes and implements decisions compatible with organizational goals.
Maintains composure, effectiveness, and flexibility under pressure.
May assist with Nutrition and Breastfeeding Coordination duties, as assigned.

Maintains Revenues/Expenditures within Budgeted Levels:

Requests supplies on a timely basis to prevent shortages and rush orders.
Requests supplies according to par levels to prevent ordering that exceeds budgeted levels.
Schedules self for community outreach activities as needed to reach client caseload goals.
Keeps overtime to a minimum.

Contract/Non Contract Formula Approval:

Follows policies and procedures related to formula issuance.
Approves non-contract formula with physician prescription according to TDH/WIC formula policies and procedures.
Uses knowledge of formulas, composition, and appropriate use to make decisions.
Completes diet analysis, counseling guidelines, and formula approval form for all non-contract formulas. Graphs in chart and secures appropriate approvals and signatures.
Provides high risk policy guidance to staff.
Maintains formula sample book to policy.

Breastfeeding Program:

Coordinates all breastfeeding activities with Breastfeeding Coordinator.
Responsible for assisting the Peer Counselor Program in assigned clinics and reaching BF goals.
Reviews clients with breastfeeding concerns to determine the need for additional health services.
Oversees the issuance of breastfeeding materials/equipment in assigned clinic to ensure that policies and procedures are followed.

Audits:

Completes audits of assigned area of chart, signs and notes dates of the review.
Completes "Fresh Eyes" audit monthly and forwards to supervisor by the last day of the month.
Participates in a PFA audit quarterly.
Completes the outcome studies and provides recommendations for improving clinical care.
Completes other audits as requested.

Education and/or Experience:

4 years of college with a bachelor's degree and a minimum of 24 hours of nutrition or per DSHS requirements.
Completed internship program or equivalent accredited by the American Dietetic Association.
Must be able to effectively apply the basic level nutrition protocols and formulas needed in WIC.
Must be able to observe the general physical condition of clients to detect signs of abnormalities.
Must be knowledgeable of community health and social service resources.
Basic computer experience is required.
Must be able to work with individuals with varying socio-economic, cultural, and educational backgrounds.
Must be able to work within a team concept.
Must be able to correctly interpret policies and procedures.
Must be able to record observations completely and accurately.
Must have counseling experience.
Prior public speaking experience is preferred.

Certifications, Licenses, Registration:

Valid driver's license and verification of a good driving record.
CPR Certified within 1 month of hire.
Successful completion of all DSHS nutrition within 3 months of hire.
Successful completion of all DSHS applicable training modules within 3 months of hire.
Bachelor's degree in a health related field with 12 hours of nutrition or as required by DSHS.
Registered by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). If RD Eligible, must pass the ADA registration exam within 6 months from the date eligible to take the exam.

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