Nutritionist / Diabetes Coordinator

OVERVIEW:  Working as part of an integrative health care team, this position has the overall responsibility for nutrition education programs, including coordination of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) grant, acting as the Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN) for WIC and MSS programs and provides MNT (Medical Nutrition Therapy) and DSME (Diabetes Self-Management Education) to patients of the LEHC and LEKT community members.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB: 

• Provides nutrition education to patients referred by internal and external providers according to LEHD policies and procedures, standards of care
• Works in conjunction with other departments of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe to provide nutritional expertise including but not limited to menu approval, staff in-services and client education
• Educates Native and non-Native patients with diabetes or at risk for developing diabetes in lifestyle interventions to minimize health complications using client-centered and evidence based approaches
• Participates and assists in health care plan development, review and evaluation
• Provides leadership and assists Lower Elwha Health Center to achieve diabetes standards in GPRA
• Oversees and implements the annual Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) grant including records maintenance, preparation and submission of annual I.H.S. Diabetes audit, data collection and outcomes analysis for effective program resource allocation
• Provides nutrition in-service for health staff, and tribal departments annually as directed by Health Director
• Fulfills role as nutrition professional in WIC program including client enrollment and education, collaboration with WIC Coordinator to develop yearly nutrition education plan, provide required monthly in-service training, develop and review local policies and procedures
• Functions as RDN team member, enrolling clients, providing Medical Nutritional Therapy (MNT), collaborating  in case management, completing required RD/RDN forms as required by the Washington State Department of Health
• Records information in medical records regarding diabetes specific educational needs, patient’s progress and follow up plans in a format useful to primary care providers to assure consistency of approach
• Maintains relevant and culturally appropriate education materials as an adjunct to diabetes and nutrition counseling and education
• Able to work with providers in the management of specialty diets such as vegan, keto, elimination, gluten free, dairy free, renal, intermittent fasting and other patient dietary restrictions.
• Other duties as assigned by the Medical Director

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to educate patients in a nonjudgmental and nondiscriminatory manner that is sensitive to diversity and preserves patient autonomy, dignity and rights
• Ability to collaborate with patients, family members, and other health care providers in the formation of overall goals and plan of care, as well as in decisions related to care and delivery of services
• Ability to comply with department and tribal policies and procedures
• Ability to work with personal computer and utilize a variety of software applications
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to effectively meet and communicate with the public
• Ability to effectively problem-solve in a team environment
• Ability to prioritize and shift priorities in a changing environment
• Ability to organize the multiple demands of the job
• Ability to work independently with sound judgment
• Knowledge of nutrition and diabetes care standards
• Knowledge of integrative medicine diet strategies such as the elimination diet, vegan, keto, gluten free, dairy free and intermittent fasting strategies.
• Knowledge of patient education and disease management processes

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession and maintenance of a current Registration as Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD or RDN) as defined by the Commission on Dietetic Registration
• Certification as a Diabetes Educator (CDE) as defined by the National Certification Board of Diabetes Educators (NCDBE)
• Three (3) years of experience in menu planning, diet counseling, Medical Nutrition Therapy, community education and coordination, and ability to work with the public
• Basic knowledge of HIPAA and other related federal laws and regulations

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Requires standing, sitting, stooping and bending intermittently
• Requires ability to lift at least 10 lbs.
• Requires ability to hear and understand verbal instructions
• Requires use of standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, fax machines and photocopiers

 CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must have insurable driving record and valid Washington State driver’s license within 30 days of hire
• Must pass criminal background check
• Must comply with federal laws and regulations as required by the Health Insurance Portability Act (HIPAA)
• Must maintain status as a Certified Dietitian in Washington State
• Must maintain CPR certification, receive yearly OSHA training along with other required trainings according to our AAAHC Accreditation.
• Must maintain State of WA Medical Assistant Certification for WIC
• Must demonstrate awareness and support of the Health Services Department mission, vision and core values

As with all positions of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, this position is Indian Preference in hiring, in Accordance with P.L. 93-638.