Outpatient Dietitian

Tohono O'odham Nation Healthcare•Sells, AZ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Outpatient Dietitian provides Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and lifestyle counseling in ambulatory care clinics operated by the Tohono O’odham Nation Health Care system. The position helps patients manage specific diseases and conditions and delivers community-based nutrition services to promote health and prevent disease. It is located in the Nutrition and Dietetic Services Department at TON Sells Hospital and is one of two Outpatient Dietitian positions. The primary focus is providing MNT to Tohono O’odham Nation tribal members and other Native American patients using the TON ambulatory clinics at Sells Hospital and the San Xavier, San Simon, and Santa Rosa Health Centers. The role also serves as a community nutrition resource for tribal programs and agencies and provides some coverage for the hospital inpatient unit. The position works under the direction of the Supervisory Dietitian, who provides work direction based on department priorities. The regular schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some flexibility potentially needed to meet patient care needs. The position may require temporary relocation to other TONHC facilities and travel within the Tohono O’odham Nation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university, or foreign equivalent meeting current minimum academic requirements for a Didactic Program in Dietetics approved by ACEND.
Completion of a supervised practice program accredited by ACEND.
Successful completion of the Registration Examination for Dietitians.
At least two years of work experience as a registered dietitian, demonstrating ability to perform the position’s duties.
Possess and maintain Registered Dietitian credentials through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Obtain ServSafe® Certification within six to twelve months after hire.
Upon recommendation for hire, pass a criminal background check and National FBI fingerprint check, including a 39-month driving record review.
May be required to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, with no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years.
If required to operate program vehicles, meet the Tohono O’odham Nation tribal employer’s insurance requirements for a driver’s permit.
Depending on department needs, may be required to demonstrate fluency in both Tohono O’odham and English as a condition of employment.
Knowledge of food and nutrition science and the body’s use of food and nutrients throughout the lifecycle, in health and disease.
Knowledge of MNT as part of the Nutrition Care Process model, including standardized Nutrition Care Process terminology.
Knowledge of Native American tribes’ and cultural subgroups’ dietary habits and ability to develop culturally acceptable nutrition care plans.
Knowledge of nutrition needs and concerns among Native American patients of all ages and health conditions, particularly diabetes.
Knowledge of educational principles and techniques for teaching nutrition to patients.
Knowledge of foodservice principles, including safe food handling and preparation in homes and community food-service settings.
Knowledge of federal nutrition-related programs and their regulations, design, and services, including WIC, SNAP, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, the Elderly Nutrition Program, and EFNEP.
Effective communication skills, including public speaking, writing for varied audiences, counseling, behavioral change techniques, and use of new technology.
Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with employees and the public.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and interpret applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
Ability to maintain confidential information, including patient health records.
Ability to work independently, meet strict timelines, and travel within the interior and exterior boundaries of the Tohono O’odham Nation.

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care at four ambulatory clinic sites and collaborate with physicians, nurses, social workers, other health care providers, patients, and family members to support appropriate nutritional care.
Assess patients’ nutritional needs; develop, implement, evaluate, monitor, and document nutrition care plans that account for cultural patterns, food purchasing practices, and available resources.
Follow established methods and procedures for nutrition consultation services.
Advise and counsel patients and families on nutrition principles, dietary plans, diet modifications, and food selection and preparation practices.
Reinforce nutrition information and diet instructions provided by other dietitians to ensure consistent communication with patients and families.
Participate in billing and collection for third-party reimbursement of MNT services, following documentation and coding procedures on the MNT template.
Assist with developing and implementing nutrition education materials and visual aids, and adapt materials to current needs and intended uses.
Conduct ongoing nutrition classes in hospital, clinic, and community settings, including pediatric weight-control and diabetes classes.
Serve as a community resource dietitian and consultant to tribal programs and agencies, including support for menu development, in-service training, nutrition education classes, health fairs, nutrition campaigns, food demonstrations, and MNT services.
Provide dietitian coverage for the hospital inpatient ward when needed.
Participate in long-range planning and perform and report on quality improvement activities.
Complete relevant education and training to stay current and support compliance with agencies such as The Joint Commission and CMS.
Attend required staff and other pertinent meetings and professionally represent the Nutrition and Dietetic Services Department internally and externally.
Maintain professional knowledge through seminars, workshops, classes, conferences, professional publications, and professional associations.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned and contribute to a team effort.