Location:21-Highland Ave. - Aurora, IL **VNA Health Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer (Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans).** **To read more about this, view the poster and this**

Registered Dietician - Parttime

Job Code:2302105008.02082022 FT/PT Status:Part Time/18.75 to 30 hours

**Description:** The Registered Dietician Diabetic Educator provides quality, comprehensive care for patients with chronic diseases through individual consults and classes; interacts with other team members in planning and delivering appropriate patient care; serves as a resource for physicians and other personnel. Well organized; ability to motivate, educate and work with individuals possessing a wide range of skills and backgrounds; ability to vary instruction based on patient motivation and knowledge level; ability to work independently with very little supervision; good communication, listening motivation, education, problem-solving and counseling skills. Must be flexible to travel to other VNA Health Center sites.

**Primary Functions:**

- Under the clinical direction of the Medical Director and the Director of Community Health Programs coordinates patient services.

- Conducts individual assessments and works with family/support persons to manage patients with multiple chronic disease conditions.

- Responsible for development of a plan of care for patients referred to the Step by Step Management Program. Acts a resource for professional staff and collaborates in the development of a plan of care for patients in other service areas of the VNA.

- Develops curriculum according to the Scope of Practice, Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional performance for Diabetes Educators (AADE, 2009) and implements both individual and group educational sessions to meet and assess the clinical needs of the patients according to the American Diabetes Association guidelines. Serves as educator by assisting patient and /or family and interdisciplinary team to understand diabetes chronic disease treatment needs.

- Serves as a liaison between the interdisciplinary team members and patient. Consults with referring MDs to discuss patient needs. Integrates information regarding patient needs between interdisciplinary team members. Develops and maintains professional relationships with key providers.

- Provides clinical expertise by understanding diabetes treatment plans, goals and objectives of the Wellness Management Program.

- Actively involved with health prevention, primarily focusing on weight management, exercise and proper nutrition. Establishes and maintains links to diabetes care resources appropriate to meet patient needs.

- Provides patient education on diabetes self-management and other chronic disease management self-care and identifies varies opportunities for teaching.

- Refers patient to other providers for assessment and treatment of diabetic related health issues.

- Conducts periodic trainings on diabetes and wellness for VNA staff.

- Serves on VNA committees as assigned: represents VNA in networking and service groups; provides community education on diabetic related topics.

- Participates in strategic planning for VNA community programs and events.

- Performs other duties as requested.

**Qualifications**

- Masters of Science degree; Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) required.

- At least two years experience in a health related system, pharmaceutical company, or managed care environment.

- Organization skills; the ability to handle multiple tasks at once and the ability to prioritize are expected. Able to set objectives and meet deadlines.

- Knowledge and understanding of various disease processes and associated co morbidities.

- Ability to apply theory of behavior change and adult learning process to health counseling.

- Possesses teamwork as an attitude and a skill; willing to be a change agent.

- Proven customer service skills and flexibility to customer needs.

- Strong team, leadership, planning and written/verbal communication skills.

- Strong presentation and teaching skills.

- Ability to work independently.

- Ability to lead and influence key decision makers.

- Membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and American Association of Diabetes Educators; work experience as diabetic educator in a clinic or hospital; competence in giving diabetic instructions and documenting medical records up-to-date expertise in pathophysiology of diabetes and related disease processes.

- One year experience preferred.

- VNA health policies and requirements met.

- Understands emergency procedures.

- Maintains current CPR certification.

**Essential Functions/Physical Requirements:** 1. Ability to communicate efficiently, verbally and in writing.

2. Tactile, visual, auditory and olfactory senses intact.

3. Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer.

4. Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods.

5. Ability to wear a particulate mask.

6. Ability to deal effectively with high levels of stress.