Dietitian

RATE: $80,000- $90,000 Per Year

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Dietitian is responsible for assessing the nutritional care of the residents in the facility. He/she advises Administration and Food Service Director as needed on all clinical aspects of the Food Service Department.

RESPONSIBILITIES/ ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1 Routinely visits the facility, the frequency of visits are to be determined by the complexity of the nutritional program;

2 Assesses the nutritional status of residents inclusive of:

2.1 lab value interpretation,

2.2 consumption patterns,

2.3 weight maintenance,

2.4 food/drug interactions,

2.5 dietary compliance,

2.6 resident independence and

2.7 overall nutritional well being.

3 Performs assessments routinely on new admissions, monthly for residents at nutritional risk, and as needed for care conferences and specific problem residents. Assessments must include recommended intervention and appropriate dialogue to the Food Service Director, Nursing Services and Administration;

4 Ensures appropriate documentation of nutritional assessment to the MDS and recommended intervention in the resident chart and/or care plan; reviews the documentation of others regarding nutritional concerns and responds appropriately;

5 Reviews menu changes and documentation of reason of change;

6 Maintains two-way communication with facility Administrator, Food Service Director and Nursing Services Management;

7 Submits monthly written reports to Administrator;

8 Reviews resident care plans prior to resident care conferences and advises regarding nutritional concerns;

9 Addresses appropriate nutritional concerns with all members of the nutrition support team inclusive of the Food Service Director, Nursing Services, Pharmacy Consultant, Speech Therapist and/or Occupational Therapist;

10 Gives diet instruction for specific residents and families;

11 Performs other assignments, as requested and approved by the Administrator, inclusive of: menu revision, meal

service assessment, policy and procedure review, sanitation assessment, in-service participation (either as an instructor or a student), Food Service Director training, Dietary Staff training, etc.;

12 Ensures that the policies and procedures for assessing client changes are adhered to;

13 Concerns his/herself with the safety of all nursing facility residents in order to minimize the potential for fire and accidents. Also, ensures that the facility adheres to the legal, safety, health, fire and sanitation codes by being familiar with his/her role in carrying out the facility’s fire, safety and disaster plans and by being familiar with current MSDS;

14 Ensures that residents and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and compassionate atmosphere which recognizes the individuals’ needs and rights;

15 Performs other duties as requested.

SPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL/ VOCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

1 Registered dietitian with previous experience in a long term care health setting or previous experience as a consulting dietitian.

2 Experience With Geriatric Population Is Preferred.

3 Basic computer skills.

JOB SKILLS:

1 Experience in menu writing with therapeutic extensions.

2 Extensive Experience In Patient Assessment Skills.

3 Possess the necessary skills for policy and procedure review.

4 Possess required knowledge to perform sanitation assessment.

5 Experience with In-service participation, either as an instructor or student.

6 Extensive Food Service Supervisor training, along with Food Staff training experience.

7 Provide annual verification of a negative TB skin test.

PERFORMS RELATED DUTIES:

1 Interacts with residents, families, visitors and employees.

2 Carries out other tasks as requested in situations where hands-on intervention/participation may be required