Job Summary

The Dietitian in our Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) is crucial in assessing residents' nutritional needs, developing and implementing individualized meal plans, and providing nutrition education and counseling. The Dietitian works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to promote optimal health and well-being for residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Nutrition Assessment: Conduct comprehensive assessments of residents' nutritional status, including dietary intake, medical history, and laboratory values. Identify residents with special dietary needs or conditions and develop appropriate nutrition interventions.
• Meal Planning and Menu Development: Develop and implement individualized meal plans based on residents' nutritional requirements, dietary preferences, and specific dietary restrictions or therapeutic diets. Collaborate with the culinary team to create menus that meet residents' nutritional needs while considering taste, variety, and cultural preferences.
• Nutritional Counseling: Provide nutrition education and counseling to residents and their families, addressing individual nutritional concerns, promoting healthy eating habits, and explaining dietary modifications as required. Offer support and guidance to help residents achieve their nutritional goals.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of residents' nutritional assessments, care plans, and progress notes. Prepare reports and communicate findings to the interdisciplinary team, including physicians, nursing staff, and other healthcare professionals.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensure compliance with state and federal nutrition and dietary services regulations in SNFs. Participate in quality improvement activities and audits to assess and improve the quality of nutritional care provided to residents.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team, including physicians, nurses, therapists, and social workers, to develop comprehensive care plans and coordinate care for residents. Participate in care conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss residents' progress and make appropriate adjustments to their nutrition care.
• Staff Education and Training: Provide education and training to staff members on nutrition-related topics, such as therapeutic diets, food allergies, and special nutritional needs. Promote an understanding of nutrition principles among the healthcare team.
• Menu Evaluation and Modification: Evaluate the nutritional content and quality of meals served in the facility. Make recommendations for menu modifications or improvements to ensure the provision of balanced and nutritious meals that meet residents' needs.
• Resident Satisfaction: Address resident concerns and feedback related to food and nutrition services. Work with the culinary team to improve the dining experience and enhance resident satisfaction with meals.
• Professional Development: Stay updated on the latest research and best practices in clinical nutrition and dietary management. Attend conferences, seminars, and continuing education programs to enhance professional knowledge and skills.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, or a related field is required. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential is required.
• State licensure or certification, if applicable.
• Previous experience in a clinical or long-term care setting is preferred.
• Knowledge of nutrition principles, therapeutic diets, and dietary management for various medical conditions.
• Familiarity with state and federal regulations governing SNF nutrition and dietary services.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with residents, families, and staff.
• Excellent documentation and computer skills for maintaining accurate records and utilizing nutrition software.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively.
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach to resident care.
• Knowledge of food service operations and menu planning.
• Flexibility to work collaboratively as a team and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work shifts, weekends, and holidays as required.

Working Conditions

• Works in office area(s), warehouse, pharmacy, and some positions work in a long-term care environment (i.e. nursing home, drug rooms, nurses’ stations resident rooms, etc.).
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with customers, and customer representatives, family members, residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors.
• Communicate with the designated facility staff, nursing personnel, residents, or family members.
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.
• Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects as appropriate.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday, as well as reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS, COVID-19, and Hepatitis B viruses.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Specific Requirements

• Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of teamwork and team concept.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with customers, personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Physical and Sensory Requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation) (With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to read, speak, and understandably write the English language.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must function independently, and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with customers, residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this company, which include a medical and physical examination if the position requires.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 50 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.

All Other Duties as Assigned.
I understand this job description and its requirements; I understand that this is not an exclusive list of the job functions and that I am expected to complete all duties as assigned; I understand the job functions may be altered by management without notice and that I am an at-will employee.