Director of Dietetics & Nutrition Services - Behavioral Health

Skyway Behavioral Health•Skokie / Downers Grove / Chicago, IL

About The Position

Skyway Behavioral Health is an innovative behavioral health center that goes beyond the treatment of psychiatric symptoms to address underlying biological, behavioral, and psychosocial causes of psychiatric disorders. Our belief is that maladaptive coping strategies are adopted by patients for survival. While adaptive at one time or in specific ways, these coping strategies are now preventing patients from living the life they want to live. Our treatments teach patients new skills that enable them to serve as their own behavioral therapists- thereby helping them to maintain recovery and generalize skills to their home environments. At Skyway, we provide a fully immersive, intensive, whole-person experience that covers everything from neuroscience to nutrition. We believe that the path to recovery from traumatic stress requires a focus that encompasses not just symptom management but also the treatment of underlying individual, systemic, developmental, and familial traumas. We use leading-edge, specialized, evidence-based treatment modalities to help our patients address the trauma and pain behind their behaviors and diagnoses – thereby empowering them to make lasting changes in their lives. Our team has extensive clinical and leadership experience in the areas of traumatic stress, eating disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders/pathology. At Skyway, we are committed to building a culture and team that cares for one another such that we may care for our families, communities, and clients. At Skyway, we believe that recovery is not only possible but also attainable for all patients. Role Description The Director of Dietetics & Nutrition Services reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serves on the Skyway Leadership team. The Director of Dietetics & Nutrition Services “DDNS” is a trusted leader who collaborates with senior management to embody and promote the mission of Skyway Behavioral Health. This role works to maximize the quality of dietary care and augment the clinical services provided by their direct reports. The DDNS also helps to oversee all operational tasks regarding the planning and delivery of meals and snacks, works with patients to enhance meal preparation and planning and overall nutrition literacy, and helps to shape the structure of 1:1 dietary sessions. At Skyway Behavioral Health, we believe that learning to nourish yourself is a skill that empowers patients with traumatic stress, as well as comorbid eating disorder pathology. Thus, each patient in PHP level of care will meet with an RD 1:1 1 time per week no matter what clinical track they are in.

Requirements

Certification by the Association of Nutrition and Food Service Professionals.
Master’s Degree in dietetics, food, or nutrition.
Five or more years of experience working with eating disorders/trauma patient population.
Exceptional organization skills, reliable and timely.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills that are clear, respectful, and considerate of other’s perspectives.
Clinical proficiency in treatment, diagnosis, and documentation.
Reliable form of transportation to work.
Must be fluent in reading, writing and speaking English.
Proficiency in Microsoft products (Word, Outlook, Excel), and familiarity with use of EHR systems.

Nice To Haves

A passion for coaching, mentorship, and team-development.
A problem-solving orientation and eagerness to identify process gaps and implement practical solutions.
Ability to work independently as needed, recognizes the need for support and demonstrates the willingness to ask for help.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond with confidence during challenging or chaotic situations.
Someone who embodies Skyway values: o Embraces the whole person. o Commits to innovative research-based programs. o Believes we are better together. o Celebrates expressions of diversity. o Believes in service and supporting our communities. o Views leadership as a privilege to elevate others to their highest potential.

Responsibilities

Responsible for hiring and managing food service operations, coordinating the training of new dietetic staff members (Registered Dietitians, Kitchen Assistants and Dietary Assistants) and providing clinical supervision and support, as necessary.
Responsible for developing and supervising client-specific dietary interventions associated with treatment goals, conduct 1:1 and group dietetic counseling, as necessary.
Responsible for providing leadership of dietetic staff and oversight of nutrition programs, creation and management of schedule and nutrition curriculum.
Promote quality patient services and overall patient satisfaction. Responsible for resolution of any patient or customer concerns regarding nutrition team.
In coordination with the leadership team, responsible for overseeing clinic operations and programs to achieve established strategies, goals and objectives aligned with Joint Commission Standards elevated to the nutrition department, safe storage, and food preparation.
Performs annual employee performance and competency reviews as required for dietetic staff. Reviews serve to provide feedback to help staff meet their professional goals and ensure completion of required competencies.
Manages and coordinates with leadership team regarding budget for food supplies and equipment for operations.
Establishes and maintains effective communications and working relationships with physicians, providers, and all colleagues. Responds in a timely fashion to provider concerns and resolves problems as appropriate. Actively leads and participates in established committees as needed.
Collaborates with the leadership team in creating and sustaining a culture of compassion and healing. Demonstrates flexible leadership by performing all tasks needed to meet the clinic needs at that moment in time and in conjunction with direct reports.
Supports the organization's mission, vision, values, and strategic initiatives. Develops, implements, and improves processes to ensure that established policies, goals, and objectives are achieved.
Develops and administers policies and procedures to accomplish department-specific and organizational initiatives. Ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, federal regulations, and guidelines.
Maintain completion of all competencies associated with their role and in accordance with Skyway Behavioral Health policies and subsequent Joint Commission standards.
Performs other job duties as assigned.