Clinical Dietitian

Department Overview

The Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center (HSDHC) is committed to advancing the health and wellbeing of children and adults diagnosed with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and Pre-Diabetes. We cater to a diverse patient demographic, including those newly diagnosed with diabetes, individuals managing long-term diabetes, and patients requiring immediate care for new-onset diabetes. Access to HSDHC's services is seamlessly facilitated through both physician and provider referrals.

As a pivotal component of our multidisciplinary team, the Dietitian enhances diabetes management through expert delivery of Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES). This role demands a dynamic interaction with patients and their families across various settings:

• Ambulatory Care: Manage scheduled face-to-face and synchronous and asynchronous telemedicine consultations and engage in comprehensive care management. This position works with both pediatric and adult patients.
• Inpatient Care: Provide critical diabetes survival skills education to pediatric patients admitted at Doernbecher Children's Hospital (DCH). Facilitate smooth transitions from hospital to home care and ensure continuity of care via follow-up education at HSDHC

Function/Duties of Position

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with pediatric and adult patients newly diagnosed with diabetes, those managing long-term diabetes, or experiencing significant changes in their condition.
• Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments including anthropometric measures, biochemical data, and nutrition- -focused physical examinations. Provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) based on assessment needs. 
• Obtain, verify, and evaluate data to identify diabetes and nutrition-related problems.
• Develop tailored plans that include specific dietary and diabetes self-management recommendations to support disease management. The Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) framework to develop and follow up on these care plans.
• Assess patient/family learning needs, including barriers to learning and the most effective teaching methods, and assist them in identifying achievable behavior goals to incorporate into personalized teaching plans.
• Identify patient outcomes relevant to diabetes and nutrition diagnosis and intervention strategies, and monitors progress towards those outcomes. 
• Ensure all aspects of nutritional care and DSMES are well-documented, maintaining high standards of care and compliance, with appropriate and timely documentation on all patient encounters.
• Provide DSMES in both individual and group settings, utilizing protocols and standards of care set by related professional organizations.
• Support patient care coordination/management initiatives as requested.

Communication, Teamwork and Leadership

• Serve as a liaison between the diabetes care team, Medical Director(s), other clinical departments, and administrative bodies to ensure seamless communication and a unified approach to patient care.
• Actively engage with team members to address and resolve specific clinical and operational issues. Utilize expert communication skills to support and inspire colleagues, promoting a positive workplace atmosphere and upholding high standards of customer service within the team, ensuring patient interactions are conducted with empathy, professionalism, and efficiency.
• Employ strong time management skills to organize and prioritize patient care tasks, ensuring timely completion and efficient workflow within the team.
• Participate in and, where appropriate, lead projects and committees focused on improving the operations and outcomes of the HSDHC. Champion a multidisciplinary team approach to achieve center goals and ensure patient satisfaction.
• Regularly assess own practice through chart audits and direct observation, identifying areas for improvement, recommending and implementing necessary changes to enhance care quality.

Other Duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree with specialization in dietetics, nutrition, institution management, or a closely-related field and completion of a pre-planned professional experience in dietetics at a  facility approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
• Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) 
• Licensed Dietitian in the state of Oregon
• BLS certification
• Additional certifications may be required based on the specific department the position resides in, as indicated by the position description.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Strong passion for nutrition and diabetes education.
• Proficient in the nutrition care process for both pediatric and adult patients, ensuring optimal nutrient intake based on individual needs.
• Capable of making recommendations for medication adjustments related to nutritionto improve patient well-being, reduce hospital stays, and enhance cost-effectiveness of treatment plans.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred – will consider other relevant degrees
• 3 or more years recent experience working with patients living with diabetes, their caregivers and families.
• Licensed Dietitian in the state of Washington highly desired.
• Certification in Diabetes Care and Education within 12 months of hire.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Nutrition assessment and intervention for the acutely ill pediatric patient.
• Spanish speaking preferred.

Additional Details

Monday-Saturday, five days a week, rotates DCH inpatient Saturday coverage with team members. Shift is variable from 8am-5pm.

Physical locations: Marquan Hill PPV 140 and OHSU Beaverton. Position does not maintain a private office. Workspace is shared with other staff members in the outpatient clinics. Teleworking may be available per role responsibilities. 

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.