Description

• This position has been posted within the assigned pay range through Step L. Step M has not been published as this is considered the longevity step, in alignment with state HR compensation rules.

Duties

Some of what you'll be doing:

• Creating and maintaining individualized resident care plans.
• Reviewing and revising menus for modified diet needs.
• Utilizing team input in the care plan through individual consultations with team members and attendance at care conferences.
• Auditing patient records as needed to ensure dietary compliance with patient nutritional needs.
• Communicating with nursing staff, interdisciplinary team members and food service personnel to obtain information to assess the nutritional needs of the residents.
• Participating in quality assessment and improvement measures to promote quality food service and positive nutrition outcome.
• Maintaining legible and accurate records and communicate with the support staff ensuring needed support care-plan(s) implementation is available
• Training staff, entry-level dietetic professionals, and dietetic interns.
• Training health care professionals in clinical applications of nutrition principles.
• Providing dietary staff training related to therapeutic diets and dietary needs of residents.
• Maintaining clear, concise, and accurate records and communicating with dietary supervisory team ensuring needed support for nutrition care plan is available and instructions are clear resulting in positive nutrition outcomes.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree involving major study in food and nutrition or dietetics which meets the educational standards established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
• Registration by the Commission of Dietetics Registration (RD/RDN).
• Certified dietitian with the Washington State Department of Health or within six (6) months of hire.*
• Current, valid Washington State Food Handler's Permit and thorough knowledge of food safety practices.

• Please Note: Applicants with a Registered Dietitian Eligible (RDE) credential are eligible for consideration and must pass and obtain their RDN within six (6) months of hire.

• Two (2) years of recent experience as a registered dietitian nutritionist, preferred in long-term care.
• Certified Diabetes Educator.
• Ability to organize, prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a time-sensitive environment.
• Experience with project planning, implementation and evaluation.
• Demonstrated skills and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Serve Safe certified.
• Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition.
• Experience with Point Click Care and/or other Electronic Medical Record Program.
• Additional Competencies:
  • Ability to proficiently demonstrate working knowledge of the Nutrition Care process.
  • Knowledge of therapeutic diet planning, preparation and serving of special diets, and sanitary methods of food handling.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in both verbal and written form.
  • Excellent communication skills, including clear and effective written and verbal communications.
  • Ability to remain patient and work effectively with others in stressful or sensitive situations.
  • Comfortable with public speaking and public outreach.
  • Proven ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.
  • Experience with group facilitation, conflict resolution, and a working knowledge of organizational development issues.
  • Ability to respond quickly to change and develop good working relationships with residents and staff.
  • Ability to occasionally work a flexible schedule that may include evenings and weekends.

• Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check prior to beginning services and every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Must comply with annual Tuberculin Screening in accordance with DVA policy 670.000 Tuberculosis Testing.
• Requires medical evaluation, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the Washington Industrial Safety and Act standards. Must be able to wear a respirator, medical gloves, gowns, eye protection, and other personal protection as required by a job or task.
• Must be able to life up to 40 lbs. on an intermittent basis using proper techniques. Incumbent must be able to walk, sit, stand, and bend in an unrestricted manner on a consistent basis during the entire workday.
• Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

Supplemental Information

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• This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.