PACE Registered Dietitian

Position Summary:

The Registered Dietitian (RD) is a Member of the Inter-disciplinary Team (IDT) of the San Diego PACE Program and is responsible for the implementation of the food and nutrition care for San Diego PACE participants. The RD will evaluate the participant’s nutritional status, assess nutrient requirements, develop and implement nutritional care plans, recommend nutritional prescriptions, evaluate participant tolerance and effectiveness of nutrition care, and communicate nutritional data and information to the physicians and other health professionals. The RD will provide dietary counseling and education to participants and caregivers. The RD is responsible for overseeing in center duties associated with the food service program.  The RD must communicate clinical and food service discrepancies with the PACE Registered Dietitian Nutrition Manager and on site IDT manager.

Essential Functions of the Job:

Clinical Care – 60%

• Perform assessments and chart reviews as indicated by nutrition standards to determine the nutritional status of participants and develop plans accordingly.
• Function as a member of the IDT, attends all meetings and works collaboratively with other team members.
• Provide dietary counseling and education to participants and caregivers as part of the nutrition service, as ordered by physician and according to Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
• Ensure therapeutic diets are served as ordered and prepared according to Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics standards.
• Document all relevant aspects of nutritional care for participants in accordance with the standards and documents participant changes appropriately in the medical record and communicates interventions, such as diet changes and nutrition concerns, effectively with appropriate team members, participants, and caregivers.
• Provide individual and group nutrition education and documentation of the activity.
• Determine and recommend oral nutrition supplements in accordance with participants’ medical needs.
• Ensure assessments and chart reviews are in accordance with CMS regulations.
• Participates in work area development, in-service training, and department meetings.
• Additional clinical work functions and duties may be assigned.

Food Service Administration – 40%

• Assure that food provided to participants is safe, appetizing and provides for nutritional needs and components in accordance with the CACFP program.
• Oversees daily organized meal service (breakfast, lunch and snack) based on CACFP guidelines and individualized care plan specific participant meal cards/master diet list.
• Provides leadership with constructive feedback regarding food service personnel, including work performance and recommendations for personnel actions.
• Provides appropriate food handling training for staff involved in food service operations at the Center and perform necessary monitoring audits required by CACFP.
• Monitors and assists with food service and delivery by the kitchen and support staff.
• Ensure diet textures are in compliance with SLP recommendations in the day center.
• Works with the State Food Program as guided by state rules and regulations.
• Conducts sanitation and safety checks for kitchen and kitchen equipment as needed.
• Additional food service work functions and duties may be assigned.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain and follow established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops.
• Adheres to and models SYHC’s core values and behaviors of Excellence, Empowerment, Integrity and Respect.
• Adheres to SYHC and PACE attendance and punctuality policies and practices.
• Attend meetings as required and participate on committees as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Job Requirements

Experience Required (Minimum level of experience):

• Completion of a dietetic internship or practical experience as a student dietitian.
• Knowledge of long-term care nutritional needs.
• Preferred: 2+ years of experience working as a Registered Dietitian.
• Supervisory Experience: May supervise food service, support staff and program aids.

Education Required (minimum level of education):

Bachelor’s Degree from an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics accredited institution with a major in Dietetics or Nutrition and completion of nutrition in a dietetic internship or practical experience as a student dietitian.

Education Preferred:

Master’s degree in nutrition

Certifications/Licenses Required:

• Registration with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Certifications/Licenses Preferred:

• CDE status preferred but not required
• Must be CDE eligible in 24 months

Verbal and Written Skills Required to Perform the Job:

Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Spanish preferred.

Technical Knowledge and Skills Required to Perform the Job:

• Skill in developing nutrition plans that stimulate compromised patients to eat. Familiarity with the Older Americans Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Area Agencies on Aging.
• Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft office. Ability to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships and to participate in a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary team.

Equipment Used:

Computer, fax and telephone

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

Physical clearance for reaching, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling and grasping; have full range of motion; ability to lift 50 lbs; need to lift and transfer participants; T.B. clearance.

Universal Requirements:

Pre-employment requirements include I-9, physical, positive background and reference check results, complete application, new hire orientation, pre-employment PPDs. Compliance with all mandated vaccinations and all boosters is a term and condition of employment.