Overview:
The Director - Nurtrtional Services is a key leadership position within our health system, responsible for overseeing all aspects of nutrition services in our ambulatory care clinics. This role involves supervising a team of dietitians, leading group diabetes education classes for patients, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality nutrition care to support the overall health and well-being of our patient population. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, clinical expertise in nutrition and diabetes management, and a passion for patient education and empowerment.
Responsibilities:
Leadership and Supervision- Provide leadership and direction to a team of dietitians working across multiple ambulatory care clinics.
- Recruit, educate, and develop dietitians to provide excellent nutrition services.
- Set clear goals and expectations for nutrition services, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and quality standards.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and excellence within the nutrition team.
- Reviews and updates policies and procedures regarding nutrition in the ambulatory care clinics.
Clinical Oversight- Oversee the provision of nutrition assessment, counseling, and education services to patients with diverse health needs, with a focus on diabetes management and prevention.
- Collaborate with healthcare providers to develop individualized nutrition care plans that address patients' medical conditions, dietary preferences, and cultural considerations.
- Stay abreast of the latest research and evidence-based practices in nutrition and diabetes care, and integrate new knowledge into clinical practice.
Patient Education- Lead group diabetes education classes for patients, covering topics such as meal planning, carbohydrate counting, blood glucose monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle modifications.
- Develop educational materials and resources to support patient self-management and adherence to dietary recommendations.
- Empower patients to make informed decisions about their health and well-being through effective communication and education strategies.
Quality Improvement- Monitor and evaluate the quality and effectiveness of nutrition services, using data-driven approaches to identify areas for improvement and implement best practices.
- Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory standards, accreditation requirements, and clinical guidelines related to nutrition and diabetes education.
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives and interdisciplinary teams to enhance the delivery of ambulatory nutrition care.
Collaboration and Communication- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and social workers, to coordinate care and support the holistic needs of patients.
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and caregivers to provide education, support, and guidance on nutrition-related matters.
- Serve as a resource and consultant to internal and external stakeholders including community partners on issues related to ambulatory nutrition and diabetes education.
Other duties as assignedQualifications:
- Master's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or related field.
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential.
- Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) certification required.
- Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience in nutrition and diabetes management, preferably in an ambulatory care setting.
- Supervisory or leadership experience, with demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and evidence-based practice.
This position offers an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and motivated individual to lead our ambulatory nutrition services and make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of our patients with diabetes and other nutrition-related conditions.