Registered Dietician

Position: Registered Dietitian

Supervisor: Nursing Home Administrator

Job Summary: Plan, develop, organize, evaluate and direct the Food and Nutrition Services Department, its programs and activities, and assure resident safety in coordination with federal and state regulations, recognized food safety standards, facility and departmental policies. Assesses and communicates necessary interventions to the interdisciplinary team to provide nutritional support, therapeutic diets, and plans of care necessary to attain and maintain the resident’s highest practicable function.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Assists the Food and Nutrition Manager with overall dietary services and activities with other related departments (i.e.: Nursing, Housekeeping, Social Service, etc.), including but not limited to infection control and prevention, food safety, and adherence to department budget.
• Assess and interview residents or responsible parties as necessary to obtain nutritional history, to establish a nourishing, palatable, well balanced diet that meets their daily nutritional and special dietary needs, taking into considerations the preferences of the resident.
• In coordination with the nursing staff, manage the weights of residents to ensure that residents are receiving adequate nutrition and hydration to meet their needs and honor their preferences. Track and trend residents with significant weight loss or weight gain and ensure appropriate interventions are in place to address identified concerns.
• Make daily rounds in kitchen and dining rooms to ensure that the dietary personnel is performing required duties and to assure that the appropriate dietary procedures being rendered meet or exceed federal and state requirement and the needs of the facility.
• Assist in managing the food service production line, etc. to assure that meals are prepared according to menu, dietary restrictions including preferences, allergies, and altered consistencies as ordered, appropriate temperature standards, sanitation standards, and are delivered timely.
• Document in the medical record any communication with the resident or interdisciplinary team as it relates to the implementation and interventions for nutritional plans of care and therapeutic diets to promote the health and wellbeing of the residents.
• Develop and implement person centered education programs involving food and nutrition services for all facility staff.
• Inspect food/storage rooms, janitorial closets, etc. for upkeep and supply control.
• Develop, implement and maintain ongoing quality assurance program for the Food and Nutrition department including identification and implementation of QAPI programs to address or prevent any deficiencies noted during a state or federal inspection.
• Develop and maintain written food and nutrition policies and procedures. Make recommendations to the Food and Nutrition Manager and Administrator as necessary concerning the operations of the department.
  
  

Other Functions And Responsibilities

• Assure resident safety at all times.
• Supports the community during disasters.
• Other duties as requested or assigned.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Usually works indoors but may have to work outside during outside events and parties.
• May be exposed to loud noises and sounds that are distracting.
• May be exposed to diseases or infections from contact with residents or other staff members.
• May sometimes need to wear safety gear such as gloves and or masks.
  
  

Educational, Physical, And Other Requirements

• Must pass Level 2 background screening through the Florida Clearinghouse (Learn more: https://info.flclearinghouse.com)
• Must possess at a minimum, a current, unencumbered certification to practice as a Certified Dietary Manager in this state.
• Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. Physical requirements may include frequent use of hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. The employee may be required to lift, stand, walk, sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and smell. Vision abilities may require close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• For the safety and security of our residents and employees must be able to read, write, and verbally communicate in English, which is the most universally used language of our residents and employee population.
• Requires standing/sitting for long periods of time and frequent walking.
• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Must be capable of maintaining regular attendance
• Must meet all local health regulations and post offer physical exam.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, and the public.
• Ability to follow written and oral instruction.
• Must meet training and in-service requirements.
• Must dress appropriately and act in a manner that best represents the facility and staff.
• Must be familiar with facility procedures and personnel in order to assist guests, residents, and staff.
• Must be cautious of environment that is conducive to falls, burns from equipment, and odors throughout the work day.
• Willing to work additional hours as needed to complete required tasks.
  
  

Customer/Guest Relations & Communications

• Must maintain a professional, respectful, friendly demeanor with all residents, family members, guests, and staff at all times.
  
  

The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position with or without notice.