Diabetes Educator I or II, Ambulatory

Sutter Health•Sacramento, CA

1d•$102,835 - $140,358•Onsite

About The Position

The Diabetes Educator provides diabetes self-management education/training (DSMT) and/or medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to individuals, family members, and groups. This role involves managing the care of a distinct patient population by assessing educational needs, nutritional guidelines, lifestyle interventional goals, and counseling. The educator coordinates patient care in collaboration with other healthcare providers (physicians, pharmacists, case managers, social workers, etc.) to develop effective individualized protocols (medication, therapy, nutrition, devices, etc.) that empower patients with techniques and behavior modifications to help control their disease, avoid potential complications, and bring about lasting improvements in their quality of life.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, or a related field.
Registered Dietitian (RD) certification.
Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider certification (not required for fully remote Diabetes Educator II incumbents).
For Diabetes Educator I: Proven basic competency in standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the diabetes education specialty field that demonstrates clinical judgment, technical skills, and knowledge base.
For Diabetes Educator II: Proven competency in standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the diabetes education specialty field that demonstrates clinical judgment, technical skills, and knowledge base.
For Diabetes Educator I: Demonstrated basic knowledge of the use of diabetes monitoring and managing equipment, including blood glucose monitors, insulin injection devices, and the computer software associated with these devices.
For Diabetes Educator II: Demonstrated expertise in the use of diabetes monitoring and managing equipment, including blood glucose monitors, insulin injection devices, and the computer software associated with these devices.
Skilled in Motivational Interviewing and basic behavioral counseling skills.
Demonstrated strong group facilitation skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills to communicate with a diverse group of patients, care givers, colleagues, providers and specialists.
Ability to compassionately and effectively interact with patients and staff with diverse ages, backgrounds, cultures, values, beliefs, and behaviors.
Able to work collaboratively in diverse teams.
Knowledge of adult learning theory and ability to provide individual and group education on a variety of topics related to diabetes and other chronic conditions.
Attention to detail with time management and organization skills.
Solid knowledge of computer applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite and EPIC to enter/update electronic medical records (EMR).
For Diabetes Educator I: Basic understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology.
For Diabetes Educator II: 2 years recent relevant experience.
For Diabetes Educator II: Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) certification (for employees hired prior to 05/03/2024: within 2 years).

Nice To Haves

Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) certification at time of hire.

Responsibilities

Provide diabetes self-management education/training (DSMT) and/or medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to individuals, family members, and groups.
Manage the care of a distinct patient population through assessment of educational needs, nutritional guidelines, lifestyle interventional goals, and counseling.
Coordinate patient care in collaboration with other healthcare providers to develop effective individualized protocols (medication, therapy, nutrition, devices, etc.).
Empower patients with techniques and behavior modifications to help control their disease, avoid potential complications, and bring about lasting improvements in their quality of life.
Gather the required hours to become eligible for and sit for the CDCES exam within 2 years of hire (for Diabetes Educator I).
Perform routine nutritional therapy (for Diabetes Educator I).
Provide individual and group education on a variety of topics related to diabetes and other chronic conditions.
Enter/update electronic medical records (EMR) using computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite and EPIC.
Prioritize activities and work within defined policies, procedures, and practices to achieve objectives and meet deadlines; help determine appropriate approach for new assignments.
Work independently as well as be part of the team, including accomplishing multiple tasks in an environment with interruptions.
Communicate technical or sensitive information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences (patients, patients’ family/support group, physicians, and staff).
Identify, evaluate, and resolve standard problems by selecting appropriate solutions from established options (for Diabetes Educator I).
Treat patients ranging in age from social age to geriatric (for Diabetes Educator I).
Make independent judgements while caring for patients.
Make treatment decisions within their scope of practice and make recommendations to physicians/APCs for medication adjustments.
Work autonomously and carry a panel of patients they regularly follow.
Be responsible for the patient care while working and maintaining that ongoing care day to day and week to week.
Collaborate and extend care beyond the provider visit, including follow up or between provider visits, often embedded into a diabetes clinic/endocrinology.
Use experience and existing precedents or procedures to resolve atypical or infrequent problems (for Diabetes Educator II).
Provide informal guidance and support to junior team members (for Diabetes Educator II).