Dietitian

Job Details

Level
Experienced

Job Location
Bluestem PACE - McPherson, KS

Remote Type
N/A

Position Type
Full Time

Education Level
Graduate Degree

Salary Range
Undisclosed

Travel Percentage
Occasional to Daily Local Driving

Job Shift
Day

Job Category
Health Care

Job Description

Includes a $3,000 sign-on bonus

Dietitian Overview

Under the supervision of the Operations Director, the Registered Dietitian (RD) assesses nutritional status of PACE participants and uses pertinent data to plan and implement appropriate nutrition interventions. The Dietitian will also communicate the information to the Interdisciplinary Team to ensure the nutritional needs of the participants are met. In addition, the Dietitian will provide nutrition counseling, education and Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to participants, educate and counsel family and other caregivers regarding dietary issues, and conducts initial assessments and periodic reassessments.

As the Director of Nutrition Services, the Dietitian will coordinate center meal services for two facilities to ensure kitchen standards are met according to current Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) guidelines. This position has supervisory responsibility, monitors an annual budget, and performs periodic mock kitchen inspections to ensure compliance.

Dietitian Essential Job Functions:
• Conduct a comprehensive nutritional assessment on all PACE participants upon enrollment, annually, semi-annually.
• Conduct unscheduled reassessments when needed and/or requested.
• Actively participate in scheduled care plan meetings.
• Function as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Maintain regular attendance at and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings; communicate participant changes, collaborate on developing a comprehensive care plan for each participant, collaborate care planning decisions and support coordination for 24-hour care delivery.
• Collaborate with participants/caregivers to establish individualized and appropriate nutrition goals.
• Provide continuity in care with an emphasis on beneficial outcomes to the participant. Modify participant/caregiver training and/or intervention based on nutritional and financial needs as well as their ability to communicate, understand and/or retain the desired information.
• Communicate effectively with other members of the health care team using a variety of communication styles and tools.
• Remains abreast of advances in nutrition. Apply nutrition knowledge to patient populations ranging from age 55+ for in-home, inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Monitor weight, medical diagnosis, drug-nutrient interactions, changes in chewing or swallowing, mood changes, hydration status, intake, skin breakdown and report changes to the interdisciplinary team with recommendations for changes.
• Provide nutritional counseling and education for PACE program participants and/or caregivers using appropriate materials. Provide individual and group education as appropriate.
• Present a positive, professional attitude and appearance. Practice positive customer service skills.
• Participate in performance improvement teams, work groups and committees for the PACE program.
• Supervise and evaluate the performance of the Culinary staff.
• Oversee maintenance/cleanliness and orderliness of the kitchen, food preparation and serving areas.
• Maintains compliance with all applicable regulations, policies and standards according to current KDA guidelines.
• Monitor an annual budget and keep record of department spending for two dining operations.
• Ensures that both dining operations are up-to-date will food licensure and chemical usage, including updating the Safety Data Sheet (SDS/GHS) books annually.
• Monitor portion control; appropriate serving of food; adherence to therapeutic diets, purchasing and inventory of food.
• Provide nutrition/ kitchen training to PACE staff.
• Act as liaison with contracted meal services to ensure meals meet the needs of the PACE participants.
• Select the menu for both dining operations in accordance with appropriate DRI's for the elderly population.
• Know and adhere to philosophy and goals of the PACE program.
• Documentation of care that reflects excellence as demonstrated by clear, concise, comprehensive data.
• Complete assessment and documentation in a timely fashion and to meet all deadlines.
• Act only within the scope of his or her authority to practice.

Qualifications & Requirements

Dietitian Education/Training/Certifications:

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with major studies in food and nutrition or dietetics.
• Registered Dietitian.

Dietitian Experience:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Skills and knowledge necessary to assure assessment, treatment or care is appropriate to the age and nutritional needs of older adults.
• Clinical experience in medical nutritional therapy, especially for common chronic diseases seen in the geriatric population (e.g. Diabetes, CHF) preferred.
• Able to instruct others in the correct use of standard kitchen equipment and utensils and food handling safety.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Skills and knowledge necessary to assure assessment, treatment or care is appropriate to the age and nutritional needs of the Adult and Geriatric patients served.
• Clinical experience in medical nutritional therapy, especially for common chronic diseases seen in the geriatric population (e.g. diabetes, heart disease).
• Able to instruct others in the correct use of standard kitchen equipment and utensils and food handling safety.
• Clear, concise verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to manage time and prioritize tasks.
• Personable, professional interactions skills with others.
• Basic computer literacy.

Medical Clearance:

• Employees must have medical clearance for communicable diseases and up-to-date immunizations before having direct participant contact.

Competency:

• Position specific competencies for the Dietitian will be met prior to assuming participant care.

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