Dietetic & Nutrition Spec II

Company: Texas Health & Human Services Commission
Location: Vernon
Posted on: June 14, 2022

Job Description:

Are you ready to be professionally challenged? Are you looking to be part of a dynamic team of engaged and committed professionals? Then the Health and Specialty Care System (HSCS) may be just the place for you! The State Hospital System, under the HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals located throughout the state and one youth residential psychiatric center in Waco. The HSCS is a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. The hospitals provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and evidence-based. Whether in a direct-care or support role, your contribution will make a difference in the life of a Texan. Apply now to join our team.

The Dietetic and Nutrition Specialist II works 8:00 am to 5:00 pm in the Dietary Services Department.

The Dietetic and Nutrition Specialist II (Clinical Dietitian II) performs complex (journey level) nutrition services work. Work involves providing training to staff and family members; assessing nutritional status of patients using laboratory and anthropometric data to monitor nutritional status; planning special therapeutic menus modified for one or more nutrients and textures; serving as a member of the patient's recovery team and project teams; preparing reports; providing quality assessment monitoring of menu and nutrition services activities; and providing technical assistance. The Clinical Dietitian monitors and evaluates programs and services; investigates complaints and/r deficiencies; provides referrals/ consultations on nutrition, trains dietetic interns, as needed; assists with developing policies and procedures; prepares reports and surveys. Provides guidance to others, as needed. Complies with departmental and accreditation regulations including Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) and The Joint Commission (TJC). Works under general supervision of the Director of Nutrition Services, with moderate 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:

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 psychiatric patients in the state hospital. Evaluates their nutritional status, develops, implements, and evaluates nutritional care plans based on patient needs and expectations, as well as evidenced based professional knowledge/standards, and professional experience.

Develops educational programs, materials and presentations, and provides nutrition education, dietary counseling services that address nutritional principals, modified diet plans, food selection to support achievement of the best nutritional care.

Prepares updates and/or reviews food and nutrition patient data for hospital leadership, as requested.

Develops individualized complex therapeutic menus, modified in nutrients and/or texture, as needed, to meet special medical/physical needs of patients, as well as address the food and drug reactions that can occur with medications.

Functions as a member of the recovery team and other clinically related teams in developing care plans for individuals at moderate to high nutritional risk and provides referrals/consultations on nutrition. Works toward team consensus in supporting patient goals.

Consults with the food service department to provide accurate and timely information on menu changes, special diets, and food textures. Approves menu changes for compliance with regulations and nutrient standards. Develops and conducts in-service training for staff on nutrition principles, therapeutic diets, and related subjects upon request. Conducts quality assessment meal observations as needed.

Participates in performance improvement audits and on-going monitoring related to nutrition services, meal services, complaints or identified deficiencies. Assists in developing departmental policies and procedures.

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 Abilities:

Knowledge of food and nutrition, food systems management, and food science, including normal and therapeutic nutrition

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

Knowledge of federal program evaluation requirements

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

Knowledge of common drug/nutrient interactions which impact nutritional status

Skills in professional oral and written communication

Skills in applying medical nutritional therapy

Skills in interviewing

Skills in utilizing computer hardware/software

Ability to counsel and train others in food and nutrition

Ability to evaluate and communicate nutrition needs

Ability to interact effectively with patients, families, and staff

Ability to interpret regulations, policies, and procedures

Ability to perform basic and complex math calculations

Ability to develop and evaluate nutrition service plans and educational materials

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Current registration as a Dietitian (R.D. or R.D.N) with the 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 Initial Selection Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in dietetics, food and nutrition, food systems management, food science, or a related field

Experience in dietitian or nutrition work

Minimum one (1) year experience as a Registered Dietitian/Licensed Dietitian in a health care facility working with persons at nutritional risk (preferred)

Additional Information:

Requisition Number 520593

Salary Note: The salary offered will follow HHS HR Policy starting salary guidelines which are typically made at or near the minimum of the salary range. For internal applicants, there can be limitations in consideration of applicant's current classification and salary and is dependent upon available budget.

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, and HHS OIG list of Excluded Individuals/Entities. 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.

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 of 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.

All new hire candidates will be required to receive COVID-19 medical screening (nasal test) as part of the due diligence process.

MOS Code:

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limtied to: 68M, 65C, 230X, 98, 43DX, MED10. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.

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Keywords: Texas Health & Human Services Commission, Wichita Falls , Dietetic & Nutrition Spec II, Accounting, Auditing , Vernon, Texas