Senior Clinical Dietitian

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•San Antonio, TX

14d•$3,188 - $3,881•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Clinical Dietitian (Dietetic and Nutrition Specialist III) performs advanced nutrition services work and serves as Director of Nutrition Services at the Terrell Center for Youth. The role oversees nutrition department operations, plans and evaluates nutrition programs, develops policies and procedures, monitors quality assurance, and maintains compliance with regulatory requirements and professional standards. The position works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The dietitian provides medical nutrition therapy to patients, assesses nutritional status, develops and evaluates individualized nutrition care plans, documents care, and participates on interdisciplinary recovery teams. The position collaborates with the hospital Leadership Team and Food Services Team, supervises clinical nutrition staff, and oversees nutrition education and staff training. Other duties may include supporting disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation, potentially at an alternate shift or location.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in dietetics, food and nutrition, food systems management, food science, or a related field.
At least 24 months of dietitian or nutrition work in a supervisory or leadership role.
Current registration as a Dietitian (R.D. or R.D.N.) with the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Licensure as a Dietitian (L.D.) with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Dietitians.
Knowledge of food and nutrition, food systems management, food science, normal and therapeutic nutrition, food service standards and procedures, and food science principles.
Knowledge and skills addressing nutrition needs of populations including people with developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, or behavioral issues.
Knowledge of common drug-nutrient interactions that affect nutritional status.
Knowledge and ability to perform management and administrative tasks, and knowledge of federal program evaluation requirements.
Skills in nutrition care, professional oral and written communication, medical nutrition therapy, interviewing, and using computer hardware and applicable software, including electronic file storage.
Ability to counsel and train others in food and nutrition; evaluate and communicate nutrition requirements; develop and evaluate nutrition service plans and educational materials; interact effectively with consumers, families, and staff; and work with teams.
Ability to perform basic and complex math calculations, interpret regulations and policies, and implement new systems and procedures and evaluate their effectiveness.
Must pass fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and specified registry checks.
Must be at least 21 years of age for applicants to the Terrell Center for Youth.
Must comply with HHSC immunization policy and applicable state hospital operating procedures.
Must provide I-9 documentation on the first day of work; HHSC uses E-Verify.

Nice To Haves

Twelve months of experience working at a facility serving people with psychiatric or intellectual developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

Oversee nutrition department operations and perform administrative functions.
Develop, monitor, and revise departmental policies and procedures in accordance with the approved Nutrition Care Manual and Clinical Diet Manual.
Evaluate quality assurance monitoring of department activities and participate in Quality Management activities across campus departments.
Plan, direct, and monitor nutrition programs and activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and professional standards of care.
Prepare reports, including patient meal satisfaction survey results and performance improvement plans, for the Leadership Team, Quality Management, and Performance Improvement Committee.
Liaise with Food Services to communicate menu changes and special diet requirements; approve menu changes for compliance with nutritional standards.
Develop variations to standard cycle menus as needed and conduct quality assurance meal observations, providing feedback to Food Services.
Investigate complaints and deficiencies and maintain compliance with regulatory agencies and departmental standards.
Serve on the hospital Leadership Team, communicate relevant information, and collaborate on nutrition department projects and issues.
Participate in hospital committees and workgroups, including infection control, leadership, and food services.
Provide medical nutrition therapy; evaluate patient nutritional status; develop, implement, and evaluate nutrition care plans; review annual nutrition plans; and document care in medical records.
Participate as a member of the interdisciplinary recovery team.
Supervise and manage assigned staff, including hiring-related activities, workload assignment, performance evaluation, staff guidance and development, personnel recommendations, leave approval, and mandatory training oversight.
Ensure clinical nutrition staff provide competent and efficient care.
Oversee development of nutrition education programs and materials; counsel and train consumers, staff, and families on nutrition, modified diets, and food selection.
Develop in-service training for staff on nutrition principles, therapeutic diets, and related topics as requested.
Participate in disaster response or recovery and Continuity of Operations activities as assigned, potentially at an alternate shift or location.
Attend work regularly and perform other duties as assigned; may be asked to work a specific or rotating schedule, extended shifts, or overtime.