Clinical Diabetes Educator, Nutrition - Joslin Diabetes

Beth Israel Lahey Health•Boston, MA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Clinical Diabetes Educator - Nutrition provides state of the art diabetes self-management education (DSME) and nutrition education, in a variety of settings, to persons with diabetes (PWD) and their families/care-partners, helping to optimize their diabetes management. All employees of Joslin Diabetes Center are dedicated to improving the lives of people with diabetes and other endocrine disorders and the overarching mission of preventing, treating and curing diabetes. As such, each discipline functions as a member of the JoslinCare Team. This multi-disciplinary approach includes but is not limited to physicians, nurse practitioners certified diabetes educators who are nurses, nutritionists and exercise physiologists as well as Joslin care coordinators, behavioral health specialists and administrative coordinators who are directly involved in the development of the plan of care for patients in collaboration with patients/families and caregivers. The care plan is the primary document of care for patients and each member of the team is responsible for contributing to and maintaining an accurate and patient centered plan that is shared with patients/families/caregivers and referring health care providers and other specialists. All members are essential in the provision of the Joslin Care model and agree to function in a manner that is respectful and thoughtful of one another, patients/families/care givers and other health care professionals and employees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition or Dietetics
Minimum three years ‘experience as a registered dietitian, preferably one year in diabetes care and education/counseling of patients with chronic disease
Registered with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Registered Dietitian (RD) and/or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Massachusetts License
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite applications
Excellent written and oral communication – including public speaking
Must be detail oriented, and self-directed, with the ability to plan, organize, and execute multiple responsibilities through completion.
All employees of Joslin Diabetes Center are dedicated to improving the lives of people with diabetes and other endocrine disorders and the overarching mission of preventing, treating and curing diabetes.
Vaccinated against influenza (flu) as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, Public Health, or other related field.
Certified Diabetes Education Specialist strongly preferred (if not currently a CDCES, candidate is required to sit for exam within 12 months of eligibility)
Experience training in the use of diabetes technology
Bilingual - ability to speak Spanish a plus

Responsibilities

Provide education and support to individuals diagnosed with diabetes, empowering them to effectively manage their condition and improve their overall health.
Promotes and disseminates quality diabetes care and nutrition information to patients, professionals, and the public following established Clinic Division guidelines.
Collaborate with other educators in identifying needs, developing and providing clinical programs and services.
Participates in the development of education curricula and materials by writing original material and/or reviewing the work of others.
Mentors less experienced staff, dietetic interns and nutrition professionals.
Provide comprehensive education on diabetes, its management, and lifestyle modifications to individuals and their families.
Conduct assessments to determine patients' specific needs, risk factors, and readiness to make lifestyle changes.
Develop individualized diabetes management plans, including dietary recommendations, exercise routines, medication management, and glucose monitoring.
Assist with medication management and dosage adjustments in coordination with healthcare providers.
Providing training and support to patients and healthcare professionals on the proper use and management of diabetes technologies, including insulin pump trainings, and continuous glucose monitor initiation, placement, and interpretation.
Monitor and track patients' progress, glucose levels, and adherence to treatment plans.
Offer emotional support and behavioral counseling to patients, helping them cope with the psychological aspects of living with diabetes.
Lead group education sessions on diabetes management, nutrition, and exercise.
Provide information about available resources, such as support groups, community programs, and financial assistance for diabetes-related needs.
Promote preventive measures to reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as foot care and eye examinations.
Engage in specialized training to enhance the care provided to the unique and diverse populations seen within Joslin Diabetes Center.
Participate in research efforts within the education department and contribute to ongoing research efforts within the clinic.
Work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated patient care.
Stay current with the latest research, treatment options, and technology in diabetes care through continuing education and training.
On a rotating on-call basis, assesses urgent patient clinical needs and concerns, utilizing clinical knowledge and triage protocols to make appropriate recommendations for immediate care or further care necessitating provider involvement.
Timely documents and processes medical records and billing according to Joslin Policy and Procedures and the National Education Standards of Care/American Diabetes Association Education Recognized Program standards.
Applies nutrition care process and DSME education of Persons with Diabetes (PWD) and families, in a variety of settings, encouraging the team approach to diabetes management, according to Joslin policies and standards.
Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients, taking into account food or nutrition-related history, biochemical data, anthropometric measurements, nutrition-focused physical findings and client history, to determine the appropriate nutrition intervention.
Develop customized, evidence-based meal plans that align with patients' medical conditions, lifestyle, and cultural considerations.
Educate patients on the impact of food choices on glucose levels and provide strategies for glycemic control.
Offer patient education on diabetes nutrition, based on their learning needs, healthy literacy and nutrition goals. Topics may include basic or advanced carbohydrate counting, portion control, label reading, glycemic index, and meal timing.
Regularly review patient progress, adjust meal plans as necessary, and track outcomes to achieve glycemic control and overall health improvement.
Assist patients in adopting healthy lifestyle changes beyond nutrition, including physical activity, sleep quality, and stress management.
Lead group nutrition education sessions, workshops, and support groups within the clinic and at community partner sites.
Conduct needs assessments to identify gaps and determine the educational needs of learners and stakeholders.
Works directly with clinic and center staff to develop and implement original clinical and community education programs that service patients, professionals and the community.
Create, update, and curate educational materials, including handouts, presentations for patients and staff, assessments, and other relevant resources.
Supports the implementation of food safety and sanitation programs in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Define clear learning objectives and outcomes for each curriculum or course, ensuring alignment with educational standards.
Ensure that the curriculum complies with educational standards, industry best practices, and relevant regulations.
Utilize instructional design principles to create engaging and effective learning experiences, incorporating various teaching methods and technologies.
Continuously assess and improve the quality of educational content through feedback, data analysis, and evaluation.
Participates in outcome research of clinical diabetes education programs
Maintains professional registration and certification.
Remain current with the latest research, treatment options, and technology in diabetes care through continuing education and training.
Attend relevant conferences as staffing and budget allow.
Contributes to department goals for outreach and increased visibility by maintaining active involvement in professional organizations (such as contributing to newsletters and articles, delivering lectures, and contributing to development and implementation of workshops).
All other duties as assigned.