Lead Dietitian

General Description

The Lead Dietitian is a valuable member of our Nutrition Services team who under the supervision of the Nutrition Services Assistant Coordinator, supervises WIC staff and services at assigned site(s). Assists staff in the provision of direct nutrition services for WIC/FQHC clients in accordance with program and agency requirements. Work involves direct client contact and is performed in accordance with state and local agency policies and procedures.

Schedule: 40 hours per week

• This position will report to two clinic locations, Round Lake and North Chicago.
  • Midlakes: 8:00AM - 4:30PM (Monday & Tuesday)
  • Midlakes: 10:30AM - 7:00PM (Thursday)
  • North Chicago: 8:00AM - 4:30PM (Wednesday & Friday)

Essential Functions

• Supervises staff and daily clinic activities of WIC services at assigned site(s) to achieve caseload, client visit, and program goals.
• Provides certification, nutrition counseling using motivational interviewing, medical nutrition therapy (including Gestational Diabetes assessment and counseling), breastfeeding support, and appropriate referrals for WIC/FQHC clients according to established criteria.
• Documents clinical information including nutrition care plans in clients’ electronic health record (I-WIC and NextGen as appropriate) according to agency and state standards.
• Assists in implementation and monitoring of protocols, policies, and procedures to ensure services meet program/grant objectives and are in compliance with Federal/State requirements.
• Participates in ongoing program evaluation including monitoring of program/grant performance measures and key performance indicators, and implementation of Continuous Quality Improvement activities to improve program and health outcomes for clients/patients.
• Performs competency assessments and annual performance appraisals for assigned staff and provides timely feedback in meeting established performance goals.
• Assists in integration of Nutrition Services with other LCHD Programs.
• Prepares reports on staff activities, client data, and service delivery as required.
• Demonstrates support of LCHD, Prevention, and Nutrition Services philosophy and decisions in verbal and written communication with supervisors, staff, clients, and community.
• Maintains EBT card logs and Farmer’s Market logs for site and reports problems identified to the Nutrition Services Assistant Coordinator.
• Provides and monitors staff issuance of Medically Prescribed Formula.
• Assists in maintenance of timely communication and training for staff through meetings, and continuing education opportunities based on identified staff competencies.
• In collaboration with Breastfeeding Coordinator, oversees breastfeeding promotion and support activities to include inventory of breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies, mentoring staff on breastfeeding best practices, promoting breastfeeding duration and exclusivity, and ensuring a breastfeeding friendly environment.
• Develops and presents nutrition education/in-service training and outreach activities for clients, staff and the community.
• Provides orientation and training of new staff and dietetic interns.
• Processes staff timecards accurately according to policy.
• Conducts monthly team meetings to facilitate appropriate communication of program policies/procedures, issues and updates.
• Provides timely feedback to staff, including positive comments as well as discussions of opportunities for improvements and disciplinary action when needed (with Assistant Coordinator guidance).
• Assists in the development, standardization and revision of appropriate client education handouts, outreach materials and referral resources.
• Provides program representation at internal and external meetings and committees.
• Participates in mandatory in-services and drills, attends staff trainings and other continuing education appropriate for professional develop and job duties.
• Develops and maintains a basic knowledge of services available at LCHD.
• Develops and maintains a basic awareness of the Chronic Care Model Processes to reduce Health Disparities within our communities.
• Assists and encourages clients in identifying self-management goals.
• Demonstrates adherence to National Patient Safety Goals.
• Develops and maintains a working knowledge of individual Emergency Preparedness roles.
• Reports all unusual occurrences that may involve the safety and well-being of the clients and co-workers, directly to supervisor and/or Safety Officer. Ensures occurrence is also submitted via the Healthcare SafetyZone Portal, either personally or by staff, as appropriate.
• Performs duties in a prioritized, organized, and orderly manner to maximize clinic efficiency and productivity.
• Maintains orderliness and cleanliness of clinic and work area.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in nutrition related field.
• Minimum of two years clinical/community experience (one year if master’s degree).
• Requires current Illinois licensure as a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist or Illinois licensure by reciprocity within six months of initial date of employment.
• Requires current Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) credentialing by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
• Requires Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) or completion within two years of hire.
• Ability to work in the evenings, weekends, holidays and overtime if necessary.

Supplemental Information

As the largest human service provider in Lake County, we believe that services must be available without barriers. No residents are turned away due to the inability to pay. We believe in providing services in an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination or bias. Whether assuring accessible and effective care, impacting policy, or assessing and monitoring risks, the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center has been an essential part of the public health system in Lake County for 60 years. We are looking for passionate, qualified team members who can help make a difference in our agency and, most importantly, in our community.

Additional information about the Lake County Health Department, our culture, and why you should join our team can be found at https://lakecountyil.attract.neogov.com/health-department.

Currently, you must reside in Illinois or Wisconsin to work for the Lake County Health Department. Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.