Description

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Dietitian/Nutritionist is responsible for providing optimal nutritional care to patients, which compiles with the Joint Commission and State regulations and the standards of care in the dietetic profession. Responsible for the medical nutrition therapy of clients; nutritional assessment, nutrition care plans, patient visitation, inpatient diet counseling on an as needed basis, consults regarding advance nutrition support, as well as assist and other areas related to the Food and Nutrition Services Department.

Qualifications

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree in nutrition science or in a related science or health field

Current (five-years) of no felonies or substance use convictions.

New Jersey Specific Requirement:

Graduate of a dietetic technician or dietetic assistant training facility approved by the American Dietetic Association's Commission on Dietetic Registration

EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of one year in partial hospitalization or outpatient setting. Detoxification experience preferred.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

Current Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist with a valid unencumbered license to practice in the State of Practice in good standing.

New Jersey Specific Requirement:

Duly licensed dietitian in the State of New Jersey, with unrestricted licenses to practice

KNOWLEDGE AND TRAINING REQUIRED AT TIME OF HIRE:

• Knowledge of addictions and mental health complications
• Sufficient knowledge and expertise to competently provide care in accordance with the applicable standard of practice in a substance abuse treatment setting
• Knowledge of the 12-Step Recovery Program.
• Knowledge and competency in problem solving, stress management, ethics and team building.
• Knowledge of alcohol and other drugs that includes:
• Alcohol and addictive drugs and their physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual impact on the individual.
• Alcohol and addictive drugs and their impact on the family.
• Ability to determine if a medical emergency exists and to take appropriate action, when necessary.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures used in case of alcohol and/or drug overdose.
• Knowledge of the stages of alcohol and other drug withdrawals and ability to take appropriate action at each stage.

Knowledge of Federal, State and Municipal laws and/or regulations that regulate the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction, including:

• Confidentiality
• Patient Rights
• Professional Code of Ethics
• Discrimination
• Knowledge of airborne and blood borne pathogens (TB, HIV, AIDS, HB) and risk reduction methodologies and the use of universal precautions.
• Flexibility to adapt to schedule changes and assumption of responsibilities not delineated in the job description which are related to work as a member of an addiction treatment team.

AGE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS SERVED/ RESPONSIBILITY:

Adults

SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY TO POSITION

1. Collaborates with Medical Services to identify and connect with patients in need of nutritional counseling
2. Assess nutritional needs, diet restrictions and current health plans to develop and implement dietary-care plans and provide nutritional counseling
3. Advise patients on nutritional principles, dietary plans, and diet modifications and food selection and preparation.
4. Consult with physician and health care personnel to determine nutritional needs and diet restrictions of patient or client
5. Monitor food service operations to ensure conformance to nutritional, safety, sanitation, and quality standards
6. Organize, develop, analyze, test, and prepare special meal plans such as low-fat, low-cholesterol, and chemical-free meal plans.