PACE Registered Dietitian

Overview

Under the supervision of the PACE Center Director, the Registered Dietitian screens and assesses member nutritional status. Uses pertinent data to plan and implement appropriate nutrition interventions and communicates the same to the inter-disciplinary team to ensure the nutritional needs of members are met, including those members who are considered to be at high nutritional risk.  Provides direct guidance to diet technician assisting with Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) members’ nutritional care. Assists in kitchen/kitchenette inspections and in-services to meet Nutrition and Dining Services goals of sanitation and education. Conducts group nutrition education to members as assigned.

Responsibilities

Works closely with the Interdisciplinary Team to:

• Conduct a comprehensive nutritional assessment on PACE members upon enrollment and a periodic nutritional review on members as scheduled.
• Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Maintains regular attendance at, and participation in, interdisciplinary team meetings; collaborates on care planning and nutrition related service allocation decisions.
• Confers with Nutrition Services Staff and Speech Pathologist as needed.
• Provides direct guidance to diet technician and assists with assigned members’ nutritional care.
• Documents nutrition notes in the member’s electronic medical record.
• Develops and implements the nutrition care plans for high-risk members including medical therapy recommendations.
• Facilitates and participates in Nutritional Improvement Program (NIP) reviews as scheduled.
• Provides printed nutrition notes on members for members residing in residential facilities.
• Develops and implements the nutritional components of member care plans including active participation and development of therapeutic dining programs.
• Responsible for the management of therapeutic diets, including modifications of the general menu to meet individual member needs and physician’s orders.
• Assists in monitoring meals, including intake, diet compliance and tray accuracy.
• Calculates data obtained from food intake records and calorie counts, and makes recommendations for changes to appropriate staff.
• Provides instruction to members and caregivers regarding dietary regimens and nutritional requirements. This includes home, group home and nursing home visits, when necessary.
• Maintains supplement and bag lunch list for assigned site(s).
• Monitors appropriate supplement use for all members according to department guidelines.
• Monitors sanitation of food preparation and kitchen area at assigned site(s) through planned and unannounced inspections.
• Assists in the training of dietary and clinical nutrition staff as assigned.
• Participates in and provides in-service education to employees and members as requested.
• Assists in development of policies and procedures for nutrition services.
• Participates in Member Council, reports findings, and recommends follow-up., as assigned.
• Works cooperatively and harmoniously with all staff and members.
• Maintains professional demeanor with families and visitors.
• Protects privacy and maintains confidentiality of employee, member and sensitive agency information.
• Attends department meetings and in-services, as well as all mandatory agency in-services.
• Keeps current with computer documentation training and education.
• Performs other duties/projects and participates on other committees as assigned.
• Maintains continuing education credits required by the American Dietetic Association.
• Supports Quality Improvement efforts.
• Performs related nonclinical services necessary to maintain the efficient operation of the department.
• Protects privacy and maintains confidentiality of sensitive employee, member and agency information.
• Supports agency’s mission and values.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE AREA 2: General Corporate Expectations

• Attends and actively participates in all meetings (e.g., department meetings, program meetings, employee staff meetings) and other activities as required or assigned.
• Attends workshops/seminars as necessary to increase skills and knowledge to provide effective care, treatment, and/or leadership.
• Supports the overall needs of the health center by working flexible or extended hours when necessary.
• Supports the needs of the health center by traveling to other UHC clinics when staffing needs dictate the need for licensed personnel.
• Demonstrates awareness of, and compliance with organizational mission and objective of UHC to provide health care access and support services for all members of the community.
• Supports their own staff development by completing the required hours of continuing education each year as well as new certifications as required.
• Other work-related duties as assigned by supervisor. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally either verbally or in writing.
• Maintains confidentiality and respect for information regarding patients and other team members; abides by UHC Rules of Confidentiality and general HIPAA regulations regarding privacy.
• Displays a positive, professional and respectful demeanor at all times toward employees, peers, professional contacts, and patients served, maintaining a professional appearance and positive image for the health centers.
• Contributes to the team by promoting positive staff interaction, maintains open communication with other programs/departments.

Qualifications

Must have knowledge and understanding of and be sensitive to area minority groups and their socio-economic backgrounds/cultures. Demonstrated ability to function independently, strong organizational skills and flexibility required. Individual must be self-motivated and able to develop positive working relationships with a wide variety of individuals. Bilingual (English/Spanish) required. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing in both English and Spanish preferred. Must have strong oral presentation skills and the ability to interact with a wide range of clients effectively. Must have a valid California driver's license.

EDUCATION AND LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in food and nutrition or dietetics from an accredited college or university, current Registered Dietitian (RD) credential through the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

PRIOR EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum total of one year of personal, clinical/internship, and /or employment experience providing care or services for adults with disabilities and elderly population required.

SKILLS

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
• Able to quickly build and maintain rapport with patients and providers of differing backgrounds; team player
• Customer-service oriented
• Strong computer skills
• Familiar with adult learning and general training techniques
• Positive professional insight
• Flexibility and dependability
• Demonstrated good problem-solving skills; sound judgment
• Effective leadership/supervisory skills
• Working knowledge of physical, mental and social needs of disabled and older adults.
• Effective skills in assessment of nutritional needs of disabled and older adults.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Productive as both an independent and interdisciplinary team contributor.
• Effective organizational skills.
• Demonstrates necessary skills and knowledge as needed for position-specific Competency Assessment Profile.
• Requires valid driver’s license.

Preferred Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

• Experience/familiarity with PACE program and Electronic Medical Records systems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds and push up to 50 pounds (on wheels).
• Must be able to hear staff on the phone and those who are served in-person, and speak clearly in order to communicate information to patients and staff.
• Must be able to read memos, computer screens, personnel forms and clinical and administrative documents.
• Must have high manual dexterity.
• Must be able to reach above the shoulder level to work, must be able to bend, squat and sit, stand, stoop, crouch, reach, kneel, twist/turn.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time
• Emergency response capabilities for possible crisis situations
• Must have annual TB test &/or complete TB questionnaire annually.

The pay range for this exempt position starts at $81,066.63 a year. Our salary ranges are dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience.

In addition, our comprehensive benefits package for regular status employees includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with low premium cost
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 401k plan with matching contribution
• Educational Assistance
• Employee discounts and more!