Nutritionist

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:

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

The Nutritionist I performs routine nutrition services for primarily ambulatory residents residing at state supported living centers. Work involves assessing nutritional status of consumers, planning special therapeutic menus, using laboratory and anthropometric data to monitor nutritional status, serving as a member of the Inter-Disciplinary Team and project teams, providing training to individuals, staff, and family members, supporting quality assurance monitoring of menu and nutrition service activities, preparing reports, and providing technical assistance. Complies with departmental and ICF/IID regulations. Works under moderate supervision of the Nutritionist III (Senior Clinical Nutritionist) or designated supervisor, with limited latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required 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.

Provides Medical Nutrition Therapy for primarily ambulatory consumers. Evaluates nutritional status of consumers, and develops, implements, and evaluates nutritional care plans based on consumer needs and expectations, current evidenced based professional knowledge, and professional experience.

Prepares updates and/or reviews for quarterly, annual and other (IPN) reports for consumers. Enters updates in the progress notes.

Functions as a member of the Inter-Disciplinary Team in developing care plans for individuals at lower nutrition risk. Works toward team consensus in supporting consumer goals.

Counsels and trains consumers, staff, and families on nutritional principles, modified diet plans, and food selection to support achievement of the best nutritional care for individuals.

Develops individualized therapeutic menus for common disease states as needed to meet special needs of consumers. Calculates/evaluates specialized enteral feedings.

Consults with food service department to provide accurate and timely information on menu changes, special diets, and food textures.

Participates in Quality Assurance Audits related to Clinical Nutrition services, Meal Service, or other disciplines as assigned by facility Quality Management Department or supervisor. Conducts in-service training for staff on nutrition principles, therapeutic diets, and related subjects upon request. Maintains discipline registration and/or license as required.

Completes required training as required by agency policy.

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):

Skill in providing nutrition care.

Knowledge of food and nutrition, food systems management, food science as documented by graduation from an accredited four-year university or college plus completion of a dietetic internship.

Knowledge of food and nutrition, including normal and therapeutic nutrition.

Knowledge of food service standards and procedures, and food science principles.

Knowledge of nutrition needs related to population, i.e., persons with developmental disabilities, and/or mental health conditions.

Ability to counsel and train others in food and nutrition.

Ability to evaluate and communicate nutritional needs.

Ability to develop and evaluate nutrition service plans.

Ability to interact effectively with consumers, families, and staff.

Ability to work with various teams.

Ability to interpret regulations, policies, and procedures.

Skill in professional oral and written communication.

Ability to perform basic and complex math calculations.

Functional skills and knowledge of computer word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail and how to electronically store files/documents on a computer.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Current registration as a Dietitian (R.D. or R.D.N.) with the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Commission on Dietetic Registration and/or current licensure as a Dietitian (L.D.) with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Dietitians. If eligible for registration or license is provisional, registration or license must be achieved within 1 year of employment.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from a dietetics program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and completion of the supervised practice requirement.

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 Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.

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

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

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