Job Description:

Job SummaryResponsible for providing nutrition care and education to Jordan Valley Senior Care participants. Evaluate the participant's nutritional status, develop and implement nutritional care plans, assess nutrient requirements, recommend nutritional prescriptions, evaluate participant tolerance and effectiveness of nutritional care, and communicate nutritional data and information to the primary care staff and other Interdisciplinary Team members.Position ResponsibilitiesAssessment: Collects participant data and completes required forms with appropriate responses according to department and industry standards; identifies participant 's overt nutritional problemsneeds, including proper intake and texture, and sets reasonable priorities. Identifies problems requiring further referral andor follow-up; assesses participants' responses and satisfaction with nutrition services.Planning Care: Develops a plan of care based on nutritional therapeutic process, American Dietetic Association (ADA) standards, and which incorporates the plans of other disciplines and continuing care needs; includes the participant family in developing or revising the nutrition plan of care; and makes referrals to interdisciplinary support services. Initial and periodic assessments (minimally every 6 months) to be completed prior to the scheduled team meetings. Communicates participant changes to team members.ImplementingManaging Care: Ensure that meals being provided conforms to accepted nutritional industry standards and organizationaldepartment standards, including proper serving and storage temperatures. Demonstrate thorough understanding of age-related characteristics, symptoms, and needs of participants served; provide in-service education to participants, familiescaregivers, Jordan Valley Senior Care staff, and contractors regarding nutritional requirements and special dietary regimens as prescribed by the physician. Work with primary care physician to develop nutrition plan and to implement physician orders as necessary and as appropriate to dietary standards. Provide participant and family education in coordination of 24-hour care delivery. Document all nutrition interventions and recommendations accurately and within departmental time requirements into participant s' charts. Supervise meal service delivery to participants attending day health center, including coordinating meal service with outside vendors, where applicable. Understand and demonstrate respect for participant rights and utilize established mechanisms for management of ethical issues in participant care. Evaluation: Observe, monitor, and record participant nutritional intake as planned and recommend any variation with nutritional plan, with appropriate rationale. Monitor participant weight and note significant changes to recommend dietary changes as appropriate. Review diet orders in charts to ensure appropriateness.Leadership: Recognize department problems and take responsibility for documentation; demonstrate active participation in QI processes; proactively report any deficiencies or issues with food service vendor(s) to Center terdisciplinary Team: Participate as an active and cooperative member of the Interdisciplinary Team. Attend staff meetings and take part in participant care planning. If applicable oversees contract vendor for food services andor direct employees. Other projects and duties as assigned.Possess the Ability To:Work effectively in a team municate effectively and openly with other Interdisciplinary Team members on participant status and needs.Teach, think analytically, and provide nutritional guidance and education to geriatric participants and their families.Only act within the scope of hisher authority to practice.Meet a standardized set of competencies for the specific position description established by Jordan Valley Senior Care and approved by regulatory agencies before working independently.Be medically cleared for communicable diseases and have all immunizations up-to-date before engaging in direct participant contact.RequirementsBachelor's degree in Nutrition from an ADA-accredited institution.Minimum 1 year work experience as a Dietitian.Either have one year of experience working with a frail or elderly population or, in the absence of such experience, to receive appropriate training from the Jordan Valley Senior Care on working with a frail or elderly population upon hiring.Registered member of the ADA and registered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.CDE status is preferred but not required; CDE must be eligible in 24 months.