PACE Registered Dietitian

Overview

Under the supervision of the PACE Center Director, the Registered Dietitian screens and assesses member nutritional status. Uses pertinent data to plan and implement appropriate nutrition interventions and communicates the same to the inter-disciplinary team to ensure the nutritional needs of members are met, including those members who are considered to be at high nutritional risk.  Provides direct guidance to diet technician assisting with Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) members’ nutritional care. Assists in kitchen/kitchenette inspections and in-services to meet Nutrition and Dining Services goals of sanitation and education. Conducts group nutrition education to members as assigned.

Responsibilities

Works closely with the Interdisciplinary Team to:

• Conduct a comprehensive nutritional assessment on PACE members upon enrollment and a periodic nutritional review on members as scheduled.
• Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Maintains regular attendance at, and participation in, interdisciplinary team meetings; collaborates on care planning and nutrition related service allocation decisions.
• Confers with Nutrition Services Staff and Speech Pathologist as needed.
• Provides direct guidance to diet technician and assists with assigned members’ nutritional care.
• Documents nutrition notes in the member’s electronic medical record.
• Develops and implements the nutrition care plans for high-risk members including medical therapy recommendations.
• Facilitates and participates in Nutritional Improvement Program (NIP) reviews as scheduled.
• Provides printed nutrition notes on members for members residing in residential facilities.
• Develops and implements the nutritional components of member care plans including active participation and development of therapeutic dining programs.
• Responsible for the management of therapeutic diets, including modifications of the general menu to meet individual member needs and physician’s orders.
• Assists in monitoring meals, including intake, diet compliance and tray accuracy.
• Calculates data obtained from food intake records and calorie counts, and makes recommendations for changes to appropriate staff.
• Provides instruction to members and caregivers regarding dietary regimens and nutritional requirements. This includes home, group home and nursing home visits, when necessary.
• Maintains supplement and bag lunch list for assigned site(s).
• Monitors appropriate supplement use for all members according to department guidelines.
• Monitors sanitation of food preparation and kitchen area at assigned site(s) through planned and unannounced inspections.
• Assists in the training of dietary and clinical nutrition staff as assigned.
• Participates in and provides in-service education to employees and members as requested.
• Assists in development of policies and procedures for nutrition services.
• Participates in Member Council, reports findings, and recommends follow-up., as assigned.
• Works cooperatively and harmoniously with all staff and members.
• Maintains professional demeanor with families and visitors.
• Protects privacy and maintains confidentiality of employee, member and sensitive agency information.
• Attends department meetings and in-services, as well as all mandatory agency in-services.
• Keeps current with computer documentation training and education.
• Performs other duties/projects and participates on other committees as assigned.
• Maintains continuing education credits required by the American Dietetic Association.
• Supports Quality Improvement efforts.
• Performs related nonclinical services necessary to maintain the efficient operation of the department.
• Protects privacy and maintains confidentiality of sensitive employee, member and agency information.
• Supports agency’s mission and values.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE AREA 2: General Corporate Expectations

• Attends and actively participates in all meetings (e.g., department meetings, program meetings, employee staff meetings) and other activities as required or assigned.
• Attends workshops/seminars as necessary to increase skills and knowledge to provide effective care, treatment, and/or leadership.
• Supports the overall needs of the health center by working flexible or extended hours when necessary.
• Supports the needs of the health center by traveling to other UHC clinics when staffing needs dictate the need for licensed personnel.
• Demonstrates awareness of, and compliance with organizational mission and objective of UHC to provide health care access and support services for all members of the communi