Dietitian/Nutritionist - Full time/Part time

The Nutritionist is an integral member of the team of primary care providers, nurses, clinical care managers care coordinators, medical assistants, and behavioral health professionals in our patient centered medical home. The Nutritionist will have a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable, underserved individuals and families living with complex and/or chronic medical and behavioral conditions. He/she will connect with patients in person on the phone and in the health center to provide support and education in improving their health, better understanding their illness and coordination of their care.

Nutrition activities are designed to ensure that patients are able to access culturally and linguistically appropriate services in a timely and cost-effective manner. Future initiatives in growing this program may include development of group self-management classes.

Responsibilities

• include:
• Assesses, monitors and documents the nutritional status and nutritional needs of patients using established standards of care and practice guidelines
• Provides nutritional counseling on an individual basis upon referral by clinicians as a part of the clinical treatment plan
• Meets with patients on a regular basis to develop a plan of care and assess progress
• Actively involves patient in goal setting utilizing motivational interviewing and teach back techniques
• Assists in meal planning, label reading, carb counting, recognizing and responding to fluctuation in blood glucose and other relevant education for diabetic patients.
• Provides education on specific diets for chronic diseases
• Interacts with patients to identify and address member’s barriers to receiving recommended health services, adhering to treatment plans made by providers, and becoming effective managers of their health
• Partners with other team members utilizing an interdisciplinary approach in planning care and addressing any barriers to include accessing healthy food, behavioral health issues and social determinants of health
• Ensures all programs are conducted in compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
• Develops or acquires educational materials for individual and group use
• Serves as a resource for health center staff and community partner agencies
• Provides timely verbal and written communications with the provider, care coordinator, patients and their families