Lead Nutrition and Formula Technician

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

500061 Nutritional Support Services

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URCB 205 H

Compensation Range:

$20.75 - $28.01

Responsibilities:

Performs a variety of tasks that relate to the preparation and delivery of human milk and infant/pediatric formula and transfer of information concerning patient formula orders. Acts as a lead, providing direction and support to others in the Human Milk and Formula Lab and assisting with department operations. Technicians must adhere to all food safety/sanitation regulations and standards established by the hospital and regulatory agencies. Ensures the safe and effective operation of equipment used to prepare infant/pediatric feedings and to maintain sanitation in the preparation room. Processes human milk/formula orders and maintains temperature records. Performs required quality assurance monitoring activities. Ensures best practices by following department policy and partnering with nursing and providers to ensure feeds are prepared correctly. Trains new employees and monitors the quality and quantity of work performed in the department.

Essential Functions:

• Processes orders or dispenses human milk/formula orders requests through the computer system, including data entry where applicable. Prepares human milk/formula orders per recipe or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) instruction including: obtaining correct human milk/formula, determining the number of doses required for the defined time period, using correct techniques to measure solids and liquids, packaging and labeling in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, completing logs where required, utilizing safety check procedures where required such as bar code scan confirmation, and assisting the center and children’s hospital in obtaining formulas from ancillary areas when needed. Reports discrepancies in feeding orders to the supervisor or RDN. Adheres to all food safety/sanitation procedures in the human milk and formula center. Operates and maintains automated systems or technology that is part of the human milk/formula preparation process.
• Performs formula area inspections for quality assurance and communicates any immediate concerns to a supervisor. Monitors inventory levels to ensure they meet patient care needs and communicates any concerns or recommendations to a supervisor. Stocks human milk and formula appropriately to meet the needs of the patient(s) based on demand. Rotates stock effectively by checking expiration dates to minimize waste and remove expired products from the area. Ensures proper storage requirements for formulas and human milk, including oversight of monitoring systems where required for temperature and humidity control. Maintains compliance with standards of operation and regulations established by the hospital and regulatory agencies.
• Utilizes human milk/formula delivery systems efficiently, including pneumatic tube systems and hand-delivery, and performs any required documentation for transfer or tracking of human milk/formula. Responds to any urgent requests for human milk or formula delivery to meet acute needs, including directly to patient care areas, human milk/formula stocking areas, or equipment.
• Employs courtesy and uses constructive communication with colleagues, customers, patients, and all staff. Triages phone calls and handles human milk/formula requests appropriately, deferring all clinical decisions to a Registered Dietitian for follow-up. Communicates with supervisor, patient care areas, and RDNs regarding problems with feeding orders, human milk/formula storage, or administration. Utilizes effective service recovery techniques to troubleshoot and solve problems that may arise in the milk/formula use system, and communicates the resolution to appropriate staff in a timely manner. Treats all information and data within the scope of the position with appropriate confidentiality and security.  Complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). Attends mandatory meetings and in-service education programs as scheduled by the department and facility. 
• Provides direction and support for Human Milk and Formula Technicians, answering questions and providing resources to staff.  Assists in the development of goals and objectives for the Human Milk and Formula Lab. Assists with the development of training plans and training for new employees.  Acts as a liaison between inpatient dietitians, nursing, providers, and technicians. Acts as authority in the absence of the Chief Clinical Dietitian and Lab Manager, exercising good judgment and tact.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Education & Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent and 3 years of healthcare-related experience required, or
• At least 1 year of pharmacy experience required or
• Associate’s degree or completed 2 years of college required required or
• 1 year of college experience and currently enrolled in a health science-related BS or higher degree program required  or
• Certified diet tech –DTR or Certified Pharmacy Tech required or
• 1 year as Nutrition and Formula Center Technician for Food and Nutrition Services required.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated computer experience required.
• 6 months of customer service experience in the healthcare industry with patient interaction preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to perform necessary math skills, understand and calculate weights and measures required.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to operate functions and document in the electronic medical record required.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Active certification from a nationally accredited infant formula technician certification program within 12 months of hire required.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.