Position Description – Dietitian
Portage County Health Care Center
30 Hour a Week Union Position
Position Summary: Under the general supervision of the Administrator, the Dietitian
carries out the clinical functions of the facility’s dietary services.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Dietitian shall:
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Assume the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability of
implementing dietary clinical services.
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Attend and participate in resident assessment meetings and the conducting of
resident assessments relative to dietary services.
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Complete nutritional assessments, MDS/RAP modules and progress notes.
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Assess and make recommendations for residents at high nutritional risk and for
residents with significant or trending weight change.
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Integrate the dietetic aspects of resident care through communication and the
sharing of specialized information with the medical and nursing staff and
contributing pertinent information to resident care plans.
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Counsel residents and/or their families concerning regular and/or therapeutic diets
and interpreting their needs for such diets.
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Review and approve all regular and therapeutic menus.
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Review therapeutic and regular diet plans and menus to assure they are in
compliance with the physician’s orders.
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Review the dietary requirements of each resident admitted to the facility, as may
be required, and assist the attending physician in planning for a resident’s
prescribed diet plan.
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Assist the Infection Control Committee in the development, implementation, and
revising of dietary aseptic and isolation techniques.
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Monitor dietary services to assure that all residents’ dietary needs are being met.
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Develop, implement, and maintain an ongoing quality assurance program for
Dietary Clinical Services.
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Serve on the following committees, as appropriate:
a.
Pharmaceutical Services
b.
Infection Control
c.
Quality Assessment and Assurance Committee
d.
Utilization Review
e.
Discharge Planning
f.
Assessment and Care Planning Committee; and
g.
Others as necessary or appropriate
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Maintain the confidentiality of resident information as established by our
facility’s policies and procedures.
QUALIFICATIONS
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Licensed in accordance with the laws of this state and is registered with the
American Dietetic Association.
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Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics from an accredited college or university.
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Maintains the required continuing education hours (annually) relative to dietary
services to assure continued competence.
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Minimum of (2) years experience as a dietitian. (In a medical facility preferred.)
WORKING CONDITIONS
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Works in office areas as well as throughout the facility’s dietary services areas
(i.e., dining rooms, resident rooms, activity rooms, etc.)
Sits, stands, bends, lifts and moves intermittently during working hours.
Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel,
etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
Communicates with the medical staff, nursing staff, and other department
supervisors.
Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including the AIDS
and hepatitis B viruses.
Maintains a liaison with other department supervisors to adequately plan for
dietary services/activities.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
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Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances
warrant such action.
Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family
members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
Must be knowledgeable of dietary practices and procedures as well as the
laws, regulations and guidelines governing dietary functions in the long-term
care facility.
Must possess leadership ability and willingness to work harmoniously with
professional and non-professional personnel.
Must have the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the
programs, goals, objectives, policies, procedures etc., of Dietary Clinical
Services.
Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm.
Must be able to relate information concerning the resident’s condition.
Ability to use standard office equipment—computer, printer, telephone,
photocopier, fax, etc.
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
(With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)
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Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.
Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable
manner.
Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses
to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to
work effectively with the residents, personnel, and support agencies.
Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.
Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly and emotionally upset
people within the facility.
May lift up to 15 pounds.
This position description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to
identify the major responsibilities and requirements of the job. The incumbents may be
requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated on this
description.
This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the
employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the
employer and requirements of the job change.
Portage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified
individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to
discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
I have read and understand this job description. I agree to accept the duties and
responsibilities as outlined.
_____________________________________
Employee
________________________
Date
_____________________________________
Supervisor
________________________
Date
Rev. 10-08