Diet Tech

Position Summary

The Diet Tech is responsible for consulting with the Registered Dietitian to ensure implementation of the best standard of nutrition and dietary services. The Diet Tech is responsible for implementing the dietary component within the program. Responsibilities include dietary support, grocery budget allocation, patient menu planning, maintaining a clean and well stocked kitchen, cooking and baking as recommended, and appropriately discerning between appropriate and inappropriate patient eating behaviors

Essential Job Functions

• Maintains confidentiality of patient information and records; and of facility/company proprietary, privileged, and/or confidential information.
• Assists in the implementation of individual patient treatment plans per clinical team.
• Purchase all grocery items for facility, considering variety, special diets, and food safety in compliance with Department of Health, Joint Commission Accreditation standards.
• Analyze food service providers to ensure quality products at cost effective prices.
• Uphold dietary program and advise patients appropriately on food choices
• Prepare meals and snacks per dietary guidelines
• Facilitate weekly dietary groups as dictated by the schedule that are appropriate to patient age group, when applicable.
• Support updates needed to the emergency supply as indicated by DBH policies
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively to all staff in implementing the dietary program.
• Full adherence to health code policies, Joint Commission, HIPAA and licensing regulations, including mandated training.
• Full adherence to infection control guidelines.
• Maintains an organized and safe environment and performs basic housekeeping duties.
• Conducts regular facility and grounds checks, advising facility leadership of any irregularities or safety concerns.
• Facilitates and leads daily groups as directed by facility leadership if applicable.
• Provides transportation services including patient transportation/supervision, errands, shopping, admits, outings, etc. (must be pre-qualified to drive a company vehicle).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Eating Disorder Division:
• Providing supervision and support to patients during mealtimes requires staff to eat meals and snacks with patients.
• Must refrain from comments and actions that directly contradict the CFD Clinical Model and Dietary CARE model.
• Familiarizes and adopts the Philosophy, Mission, Goals, and Objectives of the Center for Discovery treatment programs.
• Has basic knowledge of the clinical orientation and interventions used at Center for Discovery.
• Residential Treatment Only:
• In states where permissible, passing medicine will be necessary. Training and/or required certification will be provided.

Core Competencies:

• Ability to run groups effectively AEB providing a check-in, engaging all members, and providing structure to group format.
• Able to show effective writing and communication skills AEB documentation review, email timeliness, and verbal communication with staff and patients, add timeliness with documentation Ability to support in meal prep and meal support AEB accurate portioning, following proper kitchen safety & sanitation guidelines, engaging patients during meal, and able to provide redirection as needed.
• Able to effectively grocery shop for facility needs, including specialty items for patient meal plan requirements.
• Able to facilitate meal preparation independently, AEB prepares meals for 10 people following a standardized recipe, prepare snacks for max patient per program
  
  

Knowledge, Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma (or equivalent) required
• Education or experience in dietary or nutrition sciences preferred
• Valid and unrestricted State Driver's License
• Must obtain and maintain CPI certification within 90 days of hire, training provided
• Must obtain and maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid, along with Food Handling/Safety certification within 30 days of hire, training provided
• Substance Use Division: Minimum 1 year sobriety if in recovery
• Eating Disorder Division: Minimum 1 year recovery from eating disorder if in recovery
  
  

Physical Demands

The physical demands outlined here represent those that are typically required of an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to do the following:

• Engages in sustained power grasping and pushing/pulling motions
• Exposure to dust, gas, odors, liquids, or fumes
• Intermittent lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds, transporting object usually by hand, arm, or shoulder
• Hand/eye coordination: Performing work using both
• Working with hands: Seizing, holding, and grasping
• Able to lift by raising or lowering an object from one level to another
• The ability to respond quickly to emergency situations, which may involve running or moving rapidly.
• Frequent standing and walking for extended periods, often throughout the entire shift.
• Potential exposure to infectious diseases, bloodborne pathogens, and hazardous materials, requiring adherence to safety and PPE protocols.
  
  

Arbitration Agreement:

As a condition of employment, all candidates must agree to and sign a pre-employment arbitration agreement. This agreement requires that any disputes arising out of or related to employment with Discovery Practice Management will be resolved through binding arbitration rather than through litigation in court.