Registered Dietitian

About the role

Assess the nutritional status of PACE participants. Use pertinent data to plan and implement appropriate nutrition interventions and communicate the information to the Interdisciplinary Team to ensure the nutritional needs of participants are met. Function as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team, providing nutrition counseling, education, and therapy to participants, as well as educating and counseling family and other caregivers regarding dietary issues. Conduct initial assessments and periodic reassessments, participate in the development of the plan of care, and assist in the coordination of 24-hour care delivery.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality nutritional care and serve as a member of the PACE interdisciplinary team (IDT).
• Conduct an initial comprehensive nutritional assessment upon enrollment and as needed according to PACE procedures and regulations.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop a comprehensive care plan for each participant.
• Revise goals and approaches to participants’ care in coordination with the interdisciplinary team.
• Provide nutritional counseling to participants, caregivers, and family members to promote health and well-being.
• Facilitate nutrition-related care plan interventions, such as home-delivered meals and supplements.
• Monitor weight, medical diagnosis, drug-nutrient interactions, changes in chewing or swallowing, mood changes, hydration status, intake, and skin breakdown. Report changes to the interdisciplinary team with recommendations for adjustments.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships and communication with co-workers, participants, their families, and community members.
• Participate in all interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Assist interdisciplinary team members, contractors, and center staff in understanding the nutritional status and needs related to participants’ health problems.
• Incorporate cultural and ethnic preferences of participants into individual care plans.
• Provide direction and input into planning and implementation of nutritional services regarding cultural and ethnic preferences.
• Perform duties of other IDT members based on professional licensing, competencies, and experience as needed.
• Perform duties in the role of Food Service Supervisor as assigned.
• Actively participate in Quality Improvement projects and meetings.
• Participate in family meetings, staff meetings, in-service training, and orientation programs as required.
• Follow all PACE Program Policies and Procedures and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety guidelines.
• Protect privacy and maintain confidentiality of all company procedures and information about employees, participants, and families.
• Document care clearly, concisely, and comprehensively.
• Practice standard precautions and follow PACE Program Infection Control protocols.
• Meet position-specific competencies for the Dietitian prior to assuming participant care.
• Perform other duties as required or requested.

Note for NJ: Dietary counseling which falls outside of the scope of practice defined by the State of New Jersey Nursing Practice Act and the New Jersey State Board of Nursing shall be provided by a dietitian.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with major studies in food, nutrition, or dietetics.
• Passing the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam.
• Minimum of 1 year working with the elderly population required (training will be provided upon hire if not present).
• Minimum of two (2) years clinical nutrition experience preferred.
• Serve Safe Certified preferred.
• Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and the minimum state-required liability auto insurance.
• Be medically cleared for communicable diseases and have all immunizations up to date before engaging in direct participant contact.
• Pass a comprehensive criminal background check that may include, but is not limited to, federal and state Medicare/Medicaid exclusion lists, criminal history, education verification, license verification, reference check, and drug screen.

Note for NJ: Each dietitian shall be registered or eligible for registration by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Medical and dental coverage
• Generous paid time off
• 401K with match (match begins after one year of employment)
• Life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program