Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

About the role

The Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (DCES) supports HealthPartners' mission, vision, and values. This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Nursing or Nutrition and Dietetics with 2 years of prior experience in diabetes care and education, or an Associate’s degree in nursing with 4 years of prior experience. A current Minnesota registered nurses’ license or dietitians require Dietetic registration (RDN) and current licensure in the state of Minnesota (LD). The DCES must maintain a current national certification as a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist (CDCES) or be able to obtain one within 24 months of hire. Additionally, a current BLS certification for health professionals through the American Heart Association or Red Cross is required and must be maintained.

Responsibilities

• Supports the mission, vision, and values of HealthPartners and follows all organizational policies and procedures.
• Provides direct care, education, and support across the lifespan, helping individuals with diabetes reach personalized goals related to nutrition, behavior, and treatment.
• Uses evidence-based strategies and collaborative care planning to promote self-management, reduce risks, and improve health outcomes.
• Demonstrates professionalism, flexibility, and strong interpersonal skills while maintaining patient confidentiality and rights.
• Works closely with managing clinicians to deliver integrated, person-centered care and serves as a resource for the broader care team.
• 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.
• Ensures diabetes education programs in ambulatory settings meet standards set by the accrediting organization.

Requirements

Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination: Bachelor's degree in Nursing or Nutrition and 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.

Licensure/Registration/Certification: Maintain a current Minnesota registered nurses’ licensure or dietitians require Dietetic registration (RDN) and current licensure in the state of Minnesota (LD).

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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Effective Communication, Clinical Judgment, Patient-Centered Service, Education & Engagement, Organization & Resilience, Technology Proficiency.

Qualifications

Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination: 4 years of prior experience in diabetes care and education.

Licensure/Registration/Certification: Professional association membership in American Diabetes Association (ADA) and/or Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Familiar with Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES), The ADCES7 Self Care Behaviors, and the ADA Standards of Care.

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.

Benefits

Park Nicollet offers a competitive benefits package (for eligible positions) that includes medical insurance, dental insurance, a retirement program, time away from work, insurance options, tuition reimbursement, an employee assistance program, onsite clinic and much more!

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 improve 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.

Benefits

Designed To Support Your Total Health As a HealthPartners colleague, we’re committed to nurturing your diverse talents, valuing your dedication, and supporting your work-life balance. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to support every aspect of your life, including health, time off, retirement planning, and continuous learning opportunities. Our goal is to help you thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially, so you can continue delivering exceptional care.

Join Us

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.