Job Title:          Registered Dietitian

Department:     Health

Reports to:       Clinic Manager

FLSA Status:    Exempt

Type:                Regular Full-Time

Grade:              M

SUMMARY:

The Registered Dietitian (RD) conducts nutrition assessments, provides Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for chronic disease management and prevention, prepares nutrition care plans, and serves as a nutrition resource professional for the Nooksack Indian Tribe departmental staff and community. The RD coordinates the Diabetes Program and manages the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) grant; develops, facilitates, and evaluates group classes and activities; provides nutrition guidance to other Nooksack Indian Tribe programs (e.g., Elders, youth, Head Start, etc.). The RD also oversees the garden program and directly supervises the Community Gardener and Community Gardener Assistant.

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Instruct individuals and families in nutritional principles, diet, food selection and food preparation.  Provides Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for nutrition-related medical disorders based on assessment of nutritional needs.
• The dietitian performs the following:
  1. Assessment of nutrition and educational needs
  2. Planning and teaching of behavioral change process
  3. Implementation of education/nutrition plan
  4. Documentation of MNT and follow-up with primary care provider
  5. Evaluation of MNT based on outcome criteria
     • Teach group education sessions related to nutrition and chronic disease prevention and management.
     • Serve as a nutrition resource person for all Nooksack Indian Tribe staff members and community members. Compile, design, and distribute nutrition information and resources for use at the clinic, community events, and nutrition programs and activities.
     • Approve menus from the Elders Program and Nooksack Head Start, provide suggestions based on current food and nutrition guidelines, and work with staff members to enhance food and nutrition services.
     • Plan or participate in development of program proposals for funding.
     • Manage the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) grant, which includes tracking patient outcomes, completing the annual report, and monitoring Required Key Measures.
     • Lead monthly Diabetes Team Meetings with clinic staff and medical providers, design and implement activities and classes to support patients and community members with diabetes, design and distribute quarterly diabetes newsletter, assist with the annual diabetes conference in collaboration with the Northwest Washington Indian Health Board, etc.
     • Conduct or participate in In-Service Education and consultation with professional staff and supporting personnel of own related organizations.
     • Evaluate food service systems and makes recommendation for conformance level that will provide optimal nutritional component upon request.
     • As the WIC Nutritionist, provide nutrition counseling to pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children enrolled in the WIC Program who are referred by the WIC Coordinator.
     • Conduct home visits and visits to the Elders Lunch, providing nutrition counseling to established patients as needed
     • Prepare monthly newsletters by gathering information, writing, editing, preparing for publication and overseeing distribution.
     • Oversee the Community Garden Program, which includes the following responsibilities:
  6. Supervision of garden staff to include hiring, performance evaluations, and daily management of duties.
  7. Oversee community involvement in gardening events and provide nutrition education.
  8. Coordinate gardening events with other departments, programs, and vendors.
  9. Establish Networking opportunities with other Tribes and relevant businesses.
  10. Seek Training opportunities for self and garden staff to expand on their knowledge and skills; process travel expenses related to the trainings.
  11. Facilitate education of growing traditional native plants / foods within the community.
  12. Manage Garden Program Budget and Requisition the purchase of goods.
      • Other duties may be assigned.

PREFERENCE:

• Indian Preference Policy applies to this and all positions with the Nooksack Indian Tribe.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and /or ability required.

The following qualifications are required for the incumbent to have, in order to be considered for the position.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: 

• Master’s degree from a program accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
• Current registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
• Certified Dietitian (CD) in the state of Washington.
• Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) through the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE) preferred, or obtained within 1 year of hire.
• Must meet and maintain the academic and professional requirements of a Registered Dietitian as established by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
• 2 years’ relevant experience.

REQUIRED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must pass alcohol/drug test at time of hire and throughout employment.
• Must pass criminal background check at time of hire and periodically thereafter.
• First Aid/CPR certified required.
• Current Washington driver’s license in good standing.
• HIV/AIDS training or obtain within the first month of employment.
• Must have a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES / REGISTRATIONS:

• Credentialed as both a Registered Dietitian (R.D.) and
• Certified Dietitian for the State of Washington

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.)  *Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
 

• The standard work week is 8:30-5:00 Monday through Friday (occasionally may have to work evenings).
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods and frequently required to talk and listen.
• Sitting for extended periods while at a desk or in meetings.
• Manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, calculator, and telephone system.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds without assistance occasionally.
• Typical office setting with environmentally controlled conditions.
• Read, write, speak and understand English.
• Ability to listen, understands customers, and has the ability to translate rules, regulations, and policies to clients so they understand the issues/problems.
• Operate in mentally and physically stressful situations with composure.
• May have to walk/drive between office locations under a variety of conditions.
• Must be able to bend, reach, kneel, twist, and grip from assigned work areas.

DESIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES POSITION

The following qualifications are preferred/helpful for the incumbent who has these skills/knowledge or abilities for this position.

• Knowledge of the Nutrition Care Process and ability to apply all steps.
• Comprehensive knowledge and application of Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and techniques for effecting behavior change.
• Comprehensive knowledge of devices used for monitoring blood glucose (e.g., Continuous Glucose Monitor, glucometer).
• Critical thinking to integrate information supported by scientific research, clinical judgement, active listening, and observations.
• Good oral and written communication skills with strengths in working as a team, cooperative problem solving, and relationship building. Ability to consistently convey a pleasant and supportive attitude using excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent counseling skills and ability to provide culturally relevant information and support that accommodates various learning levels and abilities.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other departments to accomplish assigned desks.
• Knowledge of the concepts and requirements of managing and maintaining confidential information and communications.
• Ability to organize, follow established priorities, and exercise sound independent judgement within areas of responsibility.
• General knowledge of nutrient analysis programs and ability to use software such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases to produce correspondence, documents, and reports.

I have read and understand the position requirements as stated above I further, understand that occasionally I may be instructed to perform duties that are not listed above but are relative to my position.

Salary : $41 - $46