Lead Dietitian

Position Summary

The Lead Registered Dietitian (Lead RD) serves as a clinical and operational leader within a dynamic, multidisciplinary team, advancing the mission of delivering compassionate, evidence-based care through the Discovery Behavioral Health Clinical Model. In this role, the Lead RD not only provides high-quality dietary treatment-including assessments, groups, and therapeutic interventions-but also guides and elevates the entire dietary function of the program.

Through clinical supervision, collaboration, and mentorship, the Lead RD ensures patient safety, promotes excellence in care delivery, and fosters a cohesive, recovery-oriented environment. By supporting Registered Dietitians, Diet Technicians, and regional partners, the Lead RD plays a critical role in strengthening clinical quality, team development, and the overall impact of treatment services.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care & Patient Impact

• Champion individualized, patient-centered care by assessing weight, vitals, and labs, and developing and managing dietary plans that support each patient's unique needs, medical considerations, and recovery goals.
• Drive meaningful clinical progress by identifying weekly treatment goals and communicating effectively with the interdisciplinary team to ensure coordinated, intentional care.
• Facilitate therapeutic growth and engagement by leading age-appropriate dietary groups and conducting structured dietary sessions that build insight, skills, and confidence in recovery.
• Support family involvement in recovery by co-facilitating family programming and dietary interventions in alignment with level-of-care expectations.
• Collaborate in whole-person care through ongoing communication with medical doctors and psychiatrists regarding any dietary-related clinical needs.
  
  

Family Engagement & Continuity of Care

• Foster connection and trust with families by remaining accessible and providing consistent communication, including weekly updates for parents of adolescent patients.
• Ensure seamless transitions across care by communicating with referral sources and outpatient providers at key points, including admission, midpoint, and discharge.
  
  

Program Operations & Food Service Excellence

• Promote excellence in dietary operations by partnering with facility leadership to oversee food inventory, procurement for cycle menus and individualized dietary needs, budget considerations, and adherence to kitchen safety and sanitation standards (per level of care requirements).
  
  

Team Leadership, Supervision & Collaboration

• Lead and inspire the dietary team by providing clinical supervision and support to Registered Dietitians, Diet Technicians, and regional RDs (where applicable), fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and excellence.
• Strengthen the therapeutic environment by supporting milieu staff in their interactions with patients and families, reinforcing a compassionate and recovery-oriented culture.
• Collaborate with purpose and consistency by working alongside the full treatment team to ensure the highest level of clinical quality at all times.
  
  

Quality, Compliance & Documentation

• Uphold clinical integrity and excellence by ensuring documentation is completed throughout treatment in accordance with required timelines and clinical quality standards.
• Demonstrate regulatory accountability by completing and responding to documentation requirements in alignment with the Medical Record Review Policy and quality assurance processes.
  
  

Dietary Leadership

• Provide oversight and accountability for dietary services by supervising Diet Technicians and supporting the development of dietary staff.
• Ensure a safe and compliant kitchen environment by overseeing kitchen operations, safety, and sanitation practices, when applicable.
• Maintain operational alignment with patient needs and resources by monitoring grocery purchasing for appropriateness relative to patient needs and budget.
• Drive program consistency and execution by partnering with the Program Director to ensure dietary groups are appropriately scheduled and staffed.
• Facilitate clear and effective team communication by disseminating key information to dietary team members and ensuring alignment with program expectations.
• Lead implementation of the dietary program by ensuring fidelity to the model and effectively integrating updates and changes into practice.
• Promote inclusive, culturally responsive care by effectively working with and communicating across diverse multicultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrate full scope of practice by fulfilling all responsibilities outlined in the Dietitian Manual.
  
  

Program & Operational Excellence

• Represent the mission and impact of care by actively participating in clinical outreach efforts and program tours, helping to communicate the value and effectiveness of services provided.
• Embrace flexibility and shared leadership by performing additional duties as assigned, supporting the evolving needs of the program and contributing to a culture of excellence.
• Participate in required trainings, competency validations, and ongoing professional development.
• Support program needs and perform additional duties as assigned.
  
  

Eating Disorder Division

• Model and uphold a recovery-oriented environment by participating in meal support and patient engagement activities.
• Practice in alignment with evidence-based, weight-inclusive, and patient-centered frameworks such as intuitive eating, motivational interviewing, and non-diet approaches.
• Integrate these paradigms into treatment planning, patient care, and program implementation to support sustainable recovery.
• Co-facilitate family programming and dietary interventions in accordance with level-of-care expectations.
  
  

Residential Treatment (RTC)

• Provide on-call support to ensure consistent, responsive care, including timely communication regarding urgent program needs.
• Support patient transportation and supervision for appointments and activities (as qualified).
• Assist with medication-related responsibilities where permitted.
  
  

Virtual Programming

• Deliver high-quality care through secure, HIPAA-compliant virtual platforms, including assessments, sessions, groups, and meal support.
• Maintain professionalism and engagement in a virtual environment, utilizing technology to enhance patient connection and care delivery.
  
  

Knowledge, Education, Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) approved Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD)
• Completion of Dietetic Internship
• Must have Commission for Dietetic Registration (CDR) License
• Must have state registration (if applicable)
• At least three years' experience in dietary services
• At least one year of experience in management, preferred
• Must obtain and maintain CPI certification within 90 days of hire
• Must obtain and maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid, along with ServSafe certification within 30 days of hire.
• Must maintain and possess a current Driver's License and be in good standing
  
  

Employment Status: Full-time

Schedule: Monday-F riday 11AM-7PM

Work Location: On-site - Maitland, FL

Lead Compensation Range: $68,000.00-$75,000.00 annually

Senior-Level Compensation Range: $75,000.00-$85,000.00 annually

Final compensation will be determined based on experience, credentials, and alignment with the role.