Registered Dietitian

Sccmha Job Vacancy Announcement

CLASSIFICATION:  Registered Dietitian

Pay Range: $75,560.65 - $94,386.22 annually 

$6,000 Recruitment Bonus for new hires!! ($2,000 paid at start, $2,000 paid after 3 months, and $2,000 paid after successful probation period.)

Position Summary

Under general supervision of Mental Health Supervisor of Enhanced Health Services, performs professional dietitian/nutrition assignments utilizing the methods and techniques through the person-centered planning process while using the nutrition care process when meeting with the individuals served by SCCMHA. Monitors goals, objectives and attends service planning meetings for nutritional care and diet as needed by striving to restore, promote and enhance the well-being of the individual served at Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority (SCCMHA). This position will be knowledgeable about and actively support culturally competent recovery-based practices; person centered planning as a shared decision-making process with the individual, who defines his/her life goals and is assisted in developing a unique path toward those goals; and a trauma informed culture of safety to aid persons served in the recovery process. 

Essential Duties and Responsiblities

1.    Evaluate, plan, monitor, and provide education to families who have children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder related to their special diet needs.

2.    Adjusts and make recommendations for nutritional adequacy, balance, variety, food availability, and budgetary control.

3.    Instructs individuals, families, and support staff in individualized diet therapy, general nutrition principles, meal planning and preparation and the implementation of the treatment plan.

4.    Develops and adapts therapeutic and modified diets as prescribed by the primary care physician to meet the needs and wishes of individuals in cooperation with health care staff.

5.    Assists with planning and providing guidance of menus for individuals at group homes, provides recipes and coordination of shopping lists. 

6.    May provide education and guidance with caregivers when calculating nutritional values and determines serving size, frequency, and method of preparation.

7.    Maintains records and prepares reports and correspondence related to work.

8.    Will educate on types and quantities of food to be purchased, stored, and substituted per dietary care plan when recommended by primary care physician. 

9.    Periodically observes food preparation and food service for conformance with prescribed diets and standards for sanitation, palatability, appearance, texture modification, and nutritional quality.

10.    Acts as the resource on all dietary services and provides training opportunities to staff. May plan and conduct lectures and training programs on dietary needs and related topics to staff, persons served, support person(s) and/or community groups.

11.    May participate in the person-centered planning meeting if the individual and/family/guardian requests. 

12.    Maintains accurate records regarding services provided on behalf of individuals receiving services at Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority (SCCMHA).

13.    Assures documentation is completed timely in order to assure prompt and accurate billing for services rendered. 

14.    Participates in staff meetings to receive current information, guidance, and direction from supervisor.

15.    Adheres to the mission, vision, core values, and operating principles of SCCMHA at all times. 

Incidental Duties and Responsibilites

1.    Socializes informally with individuals and their families/guardians to facilitate friendly, respectful treatment relationship.

2.    Attends meetings, seminars, workshops, and community events related to public mental health mission.

3.    Reacts productively to change and handles other essential tasks as assigned.

4.    Uses computer hardware and software to perform tasks.

5.    Participates in CQI functions.

6.    Will be required to see individuals in their home, community, and office setting. 

 (The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of personnel so classified.)

Reporting Relationships

Reports to:    Mental Health Supervisor Enhanced Health Services 

Supervises:    None

Working Conditions/Environment

Works in various locations including both internal and external service programs, residential settings, persons served work sites and community locations which include pressures with time constraints and stress from serving a carrying caseload size. Drives vehicle on regular basis in all kinds of weather. Will have close contact with individuals served and/or families who may have communicable disease and be hostile, aggressive, and potentially violent. 

Qualifications

Education:      Degree in Dietetics or Nutrition, (must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics). Current Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with valid certification. 

Experience:    A minimum of one (1) year responsible professional experience (internship will be considered) as a Dietitian with an understanding of developmental disabilities.

Licenses and Credentials:    Valid Michigan Driver’s license with a good driving record.

A licensed registered dietitian with ServSafe certification is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1.    Knowledge of the principles of human nutrition, diet therapy, menu planning, food service operations including food preparation, sanitation, and procurement.

2.    Ability to formulate treatment plans and make clinical judgment involving diet therapy.

3.    Ability to exercise independent and mature judgment.

4.    Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

5.    Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

6.    Clinical awareness and sensitivity, including belief that individuals with development disabilities and mental illness can be meaningful participants in our community.

7.    Knowledge related to special issues surrounding children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including how to assist with food selectivity and stomach and intestinal problems. 

8.    Knowledge related to special issues surrounding persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities of all ages. 

9.    Knowledge of challenges related to persons experiencing mental illness and substance use and the effects of medications as it relates to healthy eating and good nutrition. 

10.    Ability to instruct others in individualized diet therapy, general nutrition, food selection, and preparation.

11.    Ability to inspect and evaluate food preparation and service for conformance standards.

12.    Ability to maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence.

13.    Ability to use tact and diplomacy and relate to individuals from all social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. 

14.    Analytical ability.

15.    Ability to handle individuals who may be distributive or potentially violent.

16.    Excellent communication skills.

Physical/Mental Requirements

1.    Hearing acuity to converse in person and on telephone.

2.    Visual Acuity to observe individuals behavior, read and proofread documents and use electronic health record.

3.    Ability to walk, stand or sit for extended periods of time.

4.    Manual dexterity to write and to operate standard office equipment (PC, Keyboard, Copy Machine, Fax Machine, etc.)

5.    Ability to lift and carry files and supplies at least 20 pounds.

6.    Strong interpersonal skills to interact with leadership, employees, individuals served and the general public.

7.    Analytical skills necessary to conduct research, analyze, and interpret complex data and identify and solve problems by proposing courses of action.

8.    Ability to plan short and long range and to manage and schedule time.

9.    Ability to handle stress in meeting deadlines and dealing with large numbers of employees and/or individuals served.

(Listed qualifications are for guidance in filling this position. Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered; however, mandatory licensing or certification requirements cannot be waived. Physical/mental requirements cannot be waived unless specifically indicated.)