Description

Work Type: Per Diem, As needed, PRN. 

Compensation: Based on experience and qualifications)

What is PACE?

PACE, or Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, is an alternative care model for those over 55 years of age requiring nursing home level of care which aims to keep participants living at home in the community. PACE is a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach which coordinates all levels of medical and social needs, including prevention, wellness, socialization, primary care, and access to specialists and other services.

The Dietitian optimizes the nutritional status of PACE participants through comprehensive nutrition assessment, monitoring, and communicating concerns and recommendations to the PACE Interdisciplinary Team. The Registered Dietitian works closely with the catering vendor to ensure alignment with nutritional guidelines and participant-specific needs.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducts an initial nutritional assessment and scheduled and as-needed reassessment for all PACE participants.
• May participate in completion of Determination of Need (DON) document as part of PACE enrollment eligibility assessment.
• Performs all functions and duties as required as a member of the PACE Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), including, but not limited to, participation in IDT meetings, family conferences, grievances, service determination requests, CMS audits.
• Coordinates with IDT in developing individualized plans of care for each PACE participant.
• Maintain food preferences and tray tickets for designated participants.
• Record periodic nutritional care data in the medical record.
• Review and adjust therapeutic diets to reflect any changes in the daily menu and suggest the use of supplemental feedings when necessary.
• Provide diet instruction to participants and/or family members regarding new diet orders, healthy alternatives, upon IDT member or participant request, and as needed.
• Assist in providing administrative direction for meal service; establish programs, policies and procedures that will enforce safe food handling practices.
• Coordinate both inter and intra departmental professional activities to provide optimum nutritional care for the participants and serve as consultant to clinical staff on matters pertaining to dietetics and nutrition.
• Work closely with contracted food vendor(s) to assist with menu planning and development as well as offering healthy food alternatives.
• Educate food vendors and staff with regards to allergies, special medical diets, and various food consistencies.
• Performs or assists with creation and performance of nutrition-related competencies for food vendors and staff.
• Assist in development and delivery of departmental and facility-wide educational programs.
• Ensure that all clinical issues meet and/or exceed Federal, State and County regulations.
• Maintain rapport with participants, visitors, and family members and provide feedback on the overall PACE participant attitude about food service.
• Utilized participant feedback on food services to modify program, as appropriate.
• Provide Medical Nutrition Therapy as ordered by medical provider.

Requirements

• Strong communication skills, including face-to-face, telephone, and computer skills.
• Ability to interact successfully with participants, families, and other agencies to present a positive and professional image.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) required.
• Minimum of bachelor’s degree from program in dietetics and nutrition accredited by the Accreditation Council on Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
• Two years’ experience as a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist preferred.
• Minimum of one-year experience working with older adult population preferred.
• Licensed in Illinois as a Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN).
• Must be certified in CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support) by the American Heart Association.

Esperanza Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) according to Title 44, Ill. Administrative Code, and Subpart C Section 750.150.