Clinical Dietitian - Bariatrics

The Clinical Dietitian – Bariatrics is responsible for providing bariatric medical and surgical clinical nutrition education and comprehensive bariatric nutrition care to patients and their support persons. The Clinical Dietitian provides consistent, evidence-based nutrition education and care across the patient journey.

Job Relationships

Reports to the Bariatric Program Director

Principal Responsibilities

• Identify and manage patients on either the Medical Weight Loss (MWL) pathway or the Surgical Weight Loss (SWL) pathway, providing pre- and post-operative nutrition assessment, counseling, and follow-up.

• Deliver individualized, evidence-based bariatric nutrition care in alignment with TOS, OMA, and ASMBS guidelines, insurance requirements, and program protocols.

• Conduct regular patient follow-ups (monthly or per clinical workflow) to assess progress toward nutrition, weight, and behavioral goals.

• Coach patients on bariatric program requirements, including dietary progression, vitamin/mineral supplementation, protein intake, hydration, and lifestyle changes.

• Document patient encounters, assessments, and care plans in the EMR in a timely and accurate manner.

• Participate in interdisciplinary case discussions and pre-surgical clearance processes.

• Support accreditation and regulatory readiness by ensuring nutrition documentation, patient education, and outcomes tracking align with standards.

• Enter patient nutrition data in tracking systems (e. g., BariTrax, Excel, or other program tools).

• Ensure documentation is complete, accurate, and current throughout the patient journey.

• Identify opportunities patient education improvements to enhance program efficiency and patient outcomes.

• Participate in the delivery of group nutrition classes, support groups, and staff education as needed.

• Adhere to all OSHA and Springfield Clinic training & accomplishments as required per policy.

• Provide excellent customer service and adhere to Springfield Clinic's Code of Conduct and Ethics Standards.

• Perform other job duties as assigned.

• Comply with the Springfield Clinic incident reporting policy and procedures.

Education/Experience

• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential required

• Licensed Dietitian as required by state regulations

• Minimum of 1 year of bariatric or metabolic nutrition experience preferred, will consider new graduates

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited University providing curriculum approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Licenses/Certificates

• Must be a Registered Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

• CPR certification per American Heart Association guidelines required within 30 days of hire

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of bariatric surgery nutrition care and long-term patient management

• Strong organizational and time-management skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary medical teams

• Ability to coach, motivate, and support patients through complex lifestyle changes

• Ability to analyze data, support quality improvement initiatives, and contribute to program metrics

• Strong customer service orientation and patient-centered approach

Working Environment

• Clinical office environment.

PHI/Privacy Level

• HIPAA1