JOB SUMMARY

Assesses nutritional status of PACE participants. Uses pertinent data to plan and implement appropriate nutrition interventions and communicate the information to the Interdisciplinary Team to ensure the nutritional needs of the participants are met. Functions as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team. Provides nutrition counseling, education, and therapy to participants; educates and counsels family and other caregivers regarding dietary issues; and conducts initial assessments and periodic reassessments. Participates in the development of the plan of care, assists in the coordination of 24-hour care delivery, and regularly informs the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) of the nutritional needs of each participant. Provides education to other health care professionals as appropriate.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide high quality nutritional care and services and serves as a member of the PACE interdisciplinary team (IDT)
• Conduct an initial comprehensive nutritional assessment upon enrollment and as needed according to PACE procedures 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 interdisciplinary team.
• Provide nutritional counseling to participants, care givers and family members to promote health and wellbeing of participants.
• 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, skin breakdown and report changes to the interdisciplinary team with recommendations for changes.
• Works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team (IDT) to develop and implement the comprehensive plans of care for participants.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships and communication with co-workers, participants and their families/significant others, and members of the community.
• Participate in all interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Assist the interdisciplinary team members, contractors and center staff in understanding the significant nutritional status and needs related to the participant’s 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 the cultural and ethnic preferences of participants.
• Performs the duties of other IDT members based on professional licensing, competencies, and experience as needed.
• Performs the duties in the role of Food Service Supervisor as assigned.
• Actively participates in Quality Improvement projects / meetings.

• Participates in family meetings, staff meetings, in-service and training and orientation programs as required.
• Follows all PACE Program Policies and Procedures and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety guidelines.
• Protects privacy and maintains confidentiality of all company procedures and information about employees, participants and families.
• Documentation of care that reflects excellence as demonstrated by clear, concise, comprehensive data.
• Practices standard precautions and follows PACE Program Infection Control protocols.
• Position specific competencies for the Dietitian will be met prior to assuming participant care.
• **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.
• Performs other duties as required or requested.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with major studies in food, nutrition, or dietetics.
• Passing the Commission on Dietic Registration (CDR) exam.
• Minimum of 1 year working with the elderly population required. If this is not present, training will be provided upon hire (If applicable for the role).
• Minimum of two (2) years clinical nutrition experience preferred
• Serve Safe Certified preferred
• **NJ: Each dietitian shall be registered or eligible for registration by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.