Certified Dietician Nutritionist

BASIC FUNCTION:

Responsible for the provision of nutrition services for the Seneca Nation Health System (SNHS). Coordinates nutrition services with other health services and with existing nutrition programs of other agencies. Plans, prepares, and conducts in-service educational programs in nutrition.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Plans, develops and evaluates the nutrition component of the program which includes determining needs and barriers of individuals and the population. Assists in developing policies, standards and services in accordance with nutrition services.


2. Creates nutrition plans to improve the health and physical conditions of the patients considering the household and other contributing factors to food access. Analyzes the patient’s health status, goals and dietary restrictions and creates a suitable nutritional plan for individual patients considering their life circumstances and chronic health conditions.


3. Tracks patient’s dietary intake and progress.


4. Educates patients and families on how to maintain a balanced and healthy diet.


5. Connects patients with other needed health services such as fitness training and behavioral health counseling.


6. Promotes nutrition through community wide presentations and awareness programs.


7. Stays up to date on the latest nutrition research.


8. Provides nutrition consultation to professional staff and other Seneca Nation programs.


9. Cooperates with and initiates plans with appropriate community agencies for provision of food assistance for families.


10. Prepares reports and summaries as required.


11. Performs duties with sensitivity to community needs and cultural differences.


12. Actively participates in case conferences and planning which may involve other health care providers.


13. Works to promote cooperative staff efforts to provide and maintain high quality service to patients, physicians and other staff to assure quality care.


14. Upholds and promotes the value and integrity of the Seneca Nation Health System’s mission statement. Will promote SNHS in a positive manner.


15. Provides care through a trauma-informed lens by incorporating key principles of both physical and psychological environment safety, trustworthiness and transparency, collaboration of decision-making during treatment plan developments, empowerment of patients by recognizing and building upon individual strengths, as well as recognizing and respecting the diversity of cultural backgrounds and sensitivity.


16. Attends all mandatory staff meetings, trainings and in-services.


17. Follows all department, SNHS, and Seneca Nation policies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of HIPAA regulations and health informatics.


• Good decision making and judgement capabilities.


• Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate with patients and family members.


• Knowledge about diabetes and the nutritional role in the treatment of diabetes and prevention of complications.


• Knowledge of the Seneca Nation culture and traditions and the role of nutrition in the culture.


• Maintains effective verbal and written communications and positive public relations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics or related field is required.


• Registered Dietician Nutritionist Certificate, RDN, from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR) required or willingness to obtain within 18 months of hire.


• Must have or obtain Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) certification within 5 years of employment.


• Public health experience preferred.


• Experience in a large hospital, academic medical center, outpatient health care setting, or Indian Health Service (IHS)/tribal health, preferred.