Clinical Nutritionist/Registered Dietician

Dietetic & Nutrition Spec II - 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

The state of Texas offers many benefits to employees. HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits, a lifetime monthly retirement annuityas well as 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

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!

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 II performs complex nutrition services work. Work involves providing training to staff and family members, assessing nutritional status of consumers 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 Inter-Disciplinary Team and project teams, preparing reports, providing quality assurance monitoring of menu and nutrition services activities, and providing technical assistance.

May supervise the work of others. Complies with departmental and ICF/IID regulations. Works under general supervision of the Nutritionist III (Senior Clinical Nutritionist), or designated supervisor, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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 ambulatory and medically fragile consumers. Evaluates nutritional status of consumers, and develops, implements, and evaluates nutritional care plans based on consumer needs and expectations, evidenced based professional knowledge/standards, and professional experience.

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

Develops individualized complex therapeutic menus, modified in nutrients and/or texture, as needed to meet special medical/physical needs of consumers. Calculates/evaluates specialized enteral feedings.

Functions as a member of the Inter-Disciplinary Team, the Physical and Nutritional Management Team and other clinically related teams in developing care plans for individuals at moderate to high nutritional 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 nutrition care for individuals. Develops education programs and materials.

Consults with 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. May conduct quality assurance meal observations.

Participates in Quality Assurance audits and on-going monitoring related to Nutrition Services, Meal Service, or other disciplines upon request. Assists in developing departmental policies and procedures.

May supervise nutrition staff. 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 Abilities:

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, mental health conditions and/or behavioral issues.

Ability to counsel and train others in food and nutrition.

Ability to evaluate and communicate nutrition needs.

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.

Knowledge of common drug/nutrient interactions which impact nutritional status.

Ability to develop and evaluate nutrition service plans and educational materials.

Skill in medical nutritional therapy.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Current registration as a Dietitian (R.D or R.D.N.) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), and current Licensed Dietitian (L.D.) with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Initial Selection Criteria:

Minimum of six (6) months of experience as a Registered Dietitian/Licensed Dietitian in a health care facility working with persons at nutritional risk; one (1) year is preferred. 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 OIG List of Excluded Individuals/ Entities.

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.

MOS Code:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 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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