Dietetic Technician II

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Brief Job Description:

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of each other, teamwork, and inclusivity? HSCS is dedicated to building a diverse community atmosphere where employees feel valued, supported, and accepted while providing specialized care for Texans in need. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interest you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Dietetic Technician II performs routine (journey-level) dietetic work. Work involves conducting nutritional screenings, implementing, and monitoring nutrition interventions as assigned by the Registered Dietitian, completing follow-ups to patient care plans, and monitoring and providing meal plans and recipes. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Conducts nutritional screenings by interviewing the patient/patient’s family, obtain dietary history, presence of any nutritional risk factor on admission for the better nutritional care of the patient.

Collects data that contributes to the nutrition assessment of patients/clients; development of nutrition-related priorities, goals, and objectives; and implementation of the nutrition care plan.

Implement and monitor nutrition interventions, as assigned by the Registered and/or Licensed Dietitian, to meet the nutritional needs of the patient/client, including, but not limited to, prescribed diets, snacks/nourishments, medical foods/supplements, and monitoring data collection for nutrition support therapies (i.e.: tube feeding).

Assists with providing ongoing nutritional management as a member of the treatment team and revision of nutrition interventions in response to nutrition care. Functions as integral part of treatment process. Work closely with medical/nursing staff. May attend treatment team meeting as necessary.

Monitors the effects of nutritional intervention to ensure the effectiveness of the diet. Complete follow-up to patient care plans as established in the Nutrition Care Plan to meet The Joint Commission standards and requirements.

Counsels the patient on prescribed therapeutic diet by educating the patient on reading food labels, providing meal plans and recipes. help monitor progress and adjust the diet as needed, while ongoing support and resources encourage adherence. Addressing potential barriers and developing practical solutions to ensure continued nutritional success.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of food preparation and service methods, materials and equipment used in medical food service production, assembly, and service.

Knowledge of diet therapy and food service management, safety, and sanitation.

Knowledge of standards of regulatory agencies

Knowledge of inventory procedures

Skill in personnel management and employment practices and regulations.

Skills in monitoring and documenting dietary information.

Ability to train personnel. Leadership skills

Ability to analyze work problems and problem solve

Ability to maintain accurate records.

Ability to operate a computer and associated software.

Ability to count and perform simple mathematics.

Ability to speak, read, and write fluent English.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Food Handler certification preferred or obtain certification within 90 days of hire.

Certified Dietary Manager or eligible preferred and Serv Safe Certified preferred.

Initial Screening Criteria:

High School graduate or GED equivalent OR

Experience in modified diets and meal planning preferred.

Experience in dietetic work preferred, supplemented by course work in nutrition is generally preferred. Two years work experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form