Registered Dietitian - Contingent - Clinton Township

PACE Southeast Michigan•Clinton Township, MI

10d

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager, the Registered Dietitian (RD) implements the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) by completing comprehensive nutrition assessments, determining nutrition diagnoses, developing and implementing evidence-based nutrition interventions, and evaluating participant progress. Assessments may include identifying and documenting malnutrition and morbid obesity, evaluating food insecurity and readiness to change, and developing individualized goals and interventions for participants with complex medical conditions. The RD provides evidence-based medical nutrition therapy to participants and caregivers with varying levels of nutrition risk and is an integral member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), collaborating with its members. The RD completes participant assessments and follow-up in accordance with CMS guidelines, documents care in the participant’s electronic medical record, coordinates plans of care with the IDT and other healthcare professionals, and participates in care plan meetings. The position also involves monitoring high-risk participants, supporting participant satisfaction and rights, participating in quality improvement and committee activities, and completing mandatory training and competencies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a related field, or equivalent professional-level knowledge.
Completion of a dietetics program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Successful completion of the registration exam set forth by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Ability to establish and maintain interpersonal and interdepartmental relationships.
Ability to apply adult-learning principles when organizing educational activities, including individual teaching for participants and caregivers and peer education.
Professional-level analytical skills for problem-solving and developing viable interventions.
Completion of annual department competencies.
Medical clearance for communicable diseases and up-to-date immunizations before direct participant contact.
Ability to meet the physical demands of frequent walking, bending, and lifting 40 pounds or more.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience working with aging adults.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments at enrollment and semi-annually thereafter according to CMS guidelines.
Use screening tools and evaluate medical history, laboratory data, medications, anthropometric measurements, and diet history to assess nutritional status.
Perform nutrition-focused physical examinations when indicated to determine the risk or degree of malnutrition.
Evaluate psychosocial, functional, and behavioral factors related to food access, food selection and preparation, physical activity, and understanding of health conditions.
Assess participant and family knowledge, readiness to make changes, and motivation to change behaviors.
Collaborate with IDT members and other healthcare professionals when indicated.
Identify nutrition problem patterns and possible causes; document nutrition diagnoses in PES format with supporting evidence.
Develop individualized nutrition interventions focused on the etiology of the nutrition problem.
Assess educational needs and provide individualized nutrition education and counseling based on nutrient requirements, knowledge and abilities, and medical, economic, and social circumstances.
Coordinate nutrition plans of care with the IDT and other healthcare professionals when indicated.
Monitor and evaluate nutrition interventions while considering participants’ nutrition needs and cultural, religious, and ethnic concerns.
Evaluate intervention effectiveness and measure progress toward outcomes.
Monitor participants identified as being at high nutritional risk and provide timely follow-up based on department criteria and clinical judgment.
Complete relevant, accurate, and timely documentation in participants’ electronic medical records in accordance with CMS, PACE SEMI, and department leader standards.
Participate in care plan meetings as a required IDT member and communicate plans of care effectively to the IDT and other healthcare providers as warranted.
Understand, comply with, and promote the Participant Bill of Rights and work to achieve high levels of participant satisfaction.
Complete annual department competencies and participate in quality improvement projects resulting from data analysis.
Support compliance with departmental and external standards through professional meetings, committees, and/or review of national standards of practice.
Participate in committees as assigned.
Participate in mandatory annual in-service training and screening, including infection control, TB testing, safety training, and BLS training.
Maintain medical clearance for communicable diseases and up-to-date immunizations before direct participant contact.
Drive within the PACE of Southeast Michigan catchment area as required.