Nutritionist

DESCRIPTION: Counsel individuals and groups on nutritional practices designed to prevent/manage disease and promote good health.  Evaluates individual needs; develop nutritional care plans; instruct individuals and their families; performs nutrition screenings; and offers advice on diet-related concerns such as weight loss, cholesterol, diabetes and other chronic diseases/conditions.

SUPERVISION: Supervised by Chief of Clinical Services for operations and supervised by Registered Dietitian for clinical purposes.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires prolonged sitting, standing, long hours, lifting up to 25 pounds.  Travel required.

FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assess nutritional needs, diet restrictions and current health plans, to develop and implement dietary-care plans and provide nutritional counseling.
• Consult with physicians and health care personnel to determine nutritional needs and diet restrictions of patient.
• Advise patients and their families on nutritional principles, dietary plans and diet modifications, and food selection and preparation.
• Counsel individuals and groups on basic rules of good nutrition, healthy eating habits, and nutrition monitoring to improve their quality of life.
• Develop policies (related to diet and nutrition) for disease management programs to assist in health promotion and disease control.
• Develop curriculum and prepare manuals, visual aids, course outlines, and other materials used in teaching.
• Coordinate diet counseling services.
• Plan and conduct training programs in dietetics, and nutrition, health-care personnel, health promoters and the general public.
• Function as part of a team while being self-motivated and self-directed.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of patient information and patient records.
• Serves as resource and nutrition specialist for the behavioral health program and the Diabetes Self-Management Education Program staff.
• Supports CMO in program development, implementation and oversight.
• Able to successfully interact with people from diverse backgrounds and occupations.
• Travels to all four clinic sites as requested. 
• Maintains strict confidentiality of patient information and patient records.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, health sciences or related field required. 
• Three years’ experience in nutritional education and disease management teaching/counseling.
• Active affiliation with appropriate Dietetic networks and organizations, e.g. American Dietetic Association (ADA), Texas Dietetic Association, etc. 
• Must have a current BLS certificate.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

 SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Above-average oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of goals and general methods of practices used by other professionals, including teaching skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment.
• Managerial level computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment. Must include Excel and skills in database management and record keeping.
• Evidence of the practice of a high level of confidentiality.
• Excellent organizational skills.