Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

All team members support the mission, vision, and values of HealthPartners and follow all organizational policies and procedures.

About the role

The Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (DCES) is a Registered Nurse or Registered Dietitian with advanced knowledge in diabetes care, including nutrition interventions. The DCES provides direct care, education, and support across the lifespan, helping individuals with diabetes reach personalized goals related to nutrition, behavior, and treatment. Using evidence-based strategies and collaborative care planning, the DCES promotes self-management, reduces risks, and improves health outcomes.

As a key member of the care team, the DCES demonstrates professionalism, flexibility, and strong interpersonal skills, while maintaining patient confidentiality and rights. The DCES works closely with managing clinicians to deliver integrated, person-centered care and serves as a resource for the broader care team. The DCES follows a structured approach to care—assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating—in alignment with the RN scope of practice or the Scope and Standards of Practice for Credentialed Dietetic Professionals, as well as HealthPartners protocols. Diabetes education programs in ambulatory settings must also meet standards set by our accrediting organization.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care, education, and support to individuals with diabetes across the lifespan.
• Help patients reach personalized goals related to nutrition, behavior, and treatment.
• Use evidence-based strategies and collaborative care planning to promote self-management and improve health outcomes.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and rights while demonstrating professionalism and strong interpersonal skills.
• Work closely with managing clinicians to deliver integrated, person-centered care.
• Serve as a resource for the broader care team.
• Follow a structured approach to care: assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating.
• Align care with the RN scope of practice or the Scope and Standards of Practice for Credentialed Dietetic Professionals, as well as HealthPartners protocols.
• Ensure diabetes education programs in ambulatory settings meet accrediting organization standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing or nutrition and/or Dietetics with 2 years of prior experience in diabetes care and education, or Associate’s degree in nursing with 4 years of prior experience in diabetes care and education.
• Current Registered Nurse license in either the state of Minnesota or Wisconsin upon hire. Must provide proof of application for alternate state license prior to start and obtain the second license within 30 days of hire. Both Minnesota and Wisconsin RN license must be maintained.
• Dietetic registration (RDN) through Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
• Current Dietetic License for either the state of Minnesota or Wisconsin upon hire. Must provide proof of license application in alternate state prior to start and obtain the second license within 90 days of hire. Both Minnesota and Wisconsin license must be maintained.
• Current national certification as a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist (CDCES) or ability to become certified within 24 months of hire.
• Current BLS certification for health professionals through the American Heart Association or Red Cross required and maintained. Online BLS certification is not acceptable.

Skills

• Effective Communication: Strong verbal and written skills; able to uphold clinical standards and professional ethics per the Nurse Practice Act or Scope and Standards for Credentialed Dietetic Professionals.
• Clinical Judgment: Demonstrates critical thinking, sound decision-making, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Patient-Centered Service: Provides compassionate, professional care with tact and diplomacy in interactions with patients, families, and clinic staff.
• Education & Engagement: Assesses patient education needs and communicates relevant information clearly to patients, families, and care teams.
• Organization & Resilience: Skilled in planning, prioritizing, and completing tasks efficiently while remaining calm and focused under pressure.
• Technology Proficiency: Proficient in electronic medical records and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel); strong keyboarding skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• 4 years of prior experience in diabetes care and education.
• Professional association membership in American Diabetes Association (ADA) and/or Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES).
• Familiarity with Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES), The ADCES7 Self Care Behaviors, and the ADA Standards of Care.

Schedule

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement program
• Paid time off
• Insurance options
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• Onsite clinic

Our goal is to help you thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially, so you can continue delivering exceptional care.

About Us

At HealthPartners we believe in the power of good – good deeds and good people working together. As part of our team, you’ll find an inclusive environment that encourages new ways of thinking, celebrates differences, and recognizes hard work. We’re a nonprofit, integrated health care organization, providing health insurance in six states and high-quality care at more than 90 locations, including hospitals and clinics in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We bring together research and education through HealthPartners Institute, training medical professionals across the region and conducting innovative research that improves lives around the world. At HealthPartners, everyone is welcome, included, and valued. We’re working together to increase diversity and inclusion in our workplace, advance health equity in care and coverage, and partner with the community as advocates for change.