The Registered Dietitian is responsible for promoting nutritional health for CalOptima members by providing nutritional assessments and education. The incumbent will conduct one-on-one nutrition counseling and group presentations as well as review, develop and recommend high quality, culturally appropriate nutrition education materials. The incumbent will act as a resource for CalOptima providers, health networks and community partners. Flexible schedule requires availability to participate in evening and weekend events.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides individual nutrition assessments, counseling and education by phone or in person using a patient-centered approach.
- Develops nutrition education materials to promote prevention, management of chronic illness and healthy living.
- Applies appropriate behavioral and adult learning theories to develop, present and educate members, providers and staff on nutrition topics.
- Works closely with case management, population health management, pharmacy and other medical support staff to assist with member care planning.
- Participates as a member of Interdisciplinary Care Teams as needed.
- Possesses and maintains knowledge of the latest advances and research on various health and nutrition topics, including but not limited to pregnancy, infancy and geriatric stages of life.
- Acts as a resource for CalOptima providers, health networks and community partners.
- Participates in internal and external committees, coalitions and events, as directed.
- Other projects and duties as assigned.
Required Skills
- Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with staff at all levels, providers, other program or agency representatives, and the public.
- Systematically evaluate work and apply skills to continuously improve processes.
- Initiate and follow through on projects with minimal supervision.
- Work within a team structure and manage/lead multiple projects simultaneously.
- Think critically to solve problems.
- Effectively utilize computer and applicable software (i.e. Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.).
- Work a flexible schedule availability to participate in evening and weekend events.
Required Experience
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:
- Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics or related field required. Master’s degree in Nutrition Sciences or other closely related field preferred.
- Registered Dietitian Certification required.
- 3+ years experience required, preferably in a managed care setting.
- Certified Diabetes Educator preferred.
- Bilingual in English and in one of CalOptima's defined threshold language is required.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- Principles, techniques and practices of preventive and therapeutic nutrition, including recommended food requirements for different age and ethnic groups, expectant mothers, infants and others with special dietary requirements.
- The comparative cost of various foods in relation to their nutritional value.
- Laboratory tests used for nutrition diagnosis, normal and abnormal results and their clinical significance.
- Behavior change, adult learning and group process theories and application.
- Motivational interviewing/client-centered counseling.
- Health literacy and plain language communication.
- Appropriate techniques, practices and cultural sensitivities to serve social and ethnic groups.
Grade: L
#CB