Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

About the role

Provides diabetes education to patients and caregivers, assessing learning needs, developing education plans, and evaluating outcomes. May oversee DSMES program operations, ensure compliance with standards, and serve as a resource for staff training. Collaborates with healthcare teams to integrate medical therapy, monitors patient responses, and offers ongoing recommendations. Utilizes health literacy principles for effective education and participates in quality improvement initiatives. May coordinate activities of advisory groups and maintain staff qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct patient assessments to determine learning needs
• Deliver diabetes education to patients and caregivers
• Develop and implement patient-centered education plans
• Monitor patient responses to treatment and provide recommendations
• Coordinate care with healthcare teams
• Oversee DSMES program operations and ensure compliance with standards
• Serve as a resource for staff training on diabetes management
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives
• Coordinate activities of advisory groups, if applicable
• Maintain staff qualifications and program effectiveness

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited nursing, pharmacy, or dietitian program
• Certification requirements include BLS
• Licensure/certification as RN, pharmacist, or dietitian, depending on the state
• Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) certification preferred
• No prior experience necessary

Skills

• Strong assessment and communication skills
• Knowledge of diabetes management principles
• Ability to develop patient-centered education materials
• Program oversight and coordination capabilities
• Collaboration with healthcare teams