Registered Dietitian

**PER DIEM REGISTERED DIETICIAN**At Community Hospice & Health Services and its affiliates, Community Hospice & Health Services Foundation, and CHI Management, Inc. (herein referred to collectively as “CHHS”) you will find a family-based and compassionate work environment. Our goal is to provide a wonderful work experience that allows our employees to thrive by feeling engaged and fulfilled each day. CHHS is the largest and oldest nonprofit hospice and community-based palliative care provider in the Central Valley.**DEPARTMENT:** Patient Care Services**REPORTS TO:** Alexander Cohen Hospice House (ACHH) Administrator**SUMMARY**: The Dietitian participates as a member of the Community Hospice & Health Services (CHHS) interdisciplinary team in planning, providing, and evaluating care for the hospice patient and family. The Dietitian is supervised by the Patient Care Manager/ACHH Administrator, however, supports all hospice patient teams and brings expertise related to the dietary needs of the patient at the end of life. **RESPONSIBILITIES:*** The Dietitian acts as an end-of-life nutritional consultant to the Interdisciplinary Teams, patients and families/caregivers, and staff in contracted facilities. Standard: The Dietitian attends and participates in scheduled Interdisciplinary Team meetings. The Dietitian visits patients in their home/ACHH environment to assess, plan, and educate. * The Dietitian confers with the Interdisciplinary Team and attending physicians to coordinate the patient’s nutritional intake with other treatments and medications. Standard: The Dietitian reviews the present diet and other treatments and medications of all patients referred to for dietary issues. * The Dietitian educates other members of the Interdisciplinary Team and patients and families about specific diets and nutritional care of certain conditions, i.e. diabetes, renal failure, etc. Standard: The Dietitian provides formal in-services as requested by the Clinical Educator or Director of Marketing. The Dietitian provides education, as needed, according to the plan of care for patients and families. * The Dietitian assesses patient nutritional needs, problems, and preferences to improve the quality of life of the patient and with understanding of the limitations of the dying process.Standard: The Dietitian contacts the patient/family (where appropriate) within 3 days of referral and visits for assessment within one week of request.* The Dietitian recommends supplements to prevent the complications of common end-of-life problems as determined by patient condition and preferences. Standard: Patient condition, rate of decline, and wishes are considered in recommendations.* The Dietitian participates as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team in joint care planning in Long Term Care (LTC) facilities, as assigned. Standard: Attends all assigned joint care planning meetings or arranges for designee.* The Dietitian participates in providing in-services to other hospice employees, LTC facility staff and other contracted community partners, as requested.Standard: Plans in-services for contracted community partners upon request. Provides education and in-services/orientation of new employees and existing employees as requested by the Clinical Educator.* The Dietitian follows CHHS and ACCH policies and procedures and supports regulatory compliance.Standard: The Dietitian obtains appropriate orders, communicates with the attending physician and other team members, maintains an up-to-date plan of care, and documents according to guidelines. The Dietitian submits complete documentation into the electronic medical record (EMR) at the time of patient visit.* Observes all CHHS policies and procedures and ACCH including, but not limited to, safety, infection control, privacy, confidentiality, and HIPAA. Standard: 100% compliance* Maintains a professional appearance of self and working area; exhibits appropriate behavior with patients and families, i.e., courteous, thoughtful and professional at all times. Standard: 100% compliance**Other Functions:*** Other duties as assigned, including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise meet the needs of the organization.* Participates in Quality Improvement Projects as requested by the Quality and Compliance Manager.* Maintains all required confidentiality and privacy requirements of both the organization and the regulatory agencies that have oversight of and for CHHS.* Maintains a professional appearance of self and working area; exhibits appropriate behavior with guests and clients, i.e., courteous, thoughtful and professional at all times.**QUALIFICATIONS**:* Baccalaureate or higher degree in the field of dietetics/nutrition from a college or university accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or other regional accreditation agency.* Successfully complete a period of supervised practice that meets state requirements.* Successfully pass the American Dietetic Association approved registration exam and have the right to use the Registered Dietitian designation.* Current California driver’s license and automobile insurance. Timely renewal required.* Possesses and maintains current CPR certification.**WORK ENVIRONMENT:** The main environment for this position is in the patients' homes, which vary in levels of cleanliness, accessibility, and climate control. The employee may be exposed to virus, disease and infection from patients. The employee may experience situations, with emotionally disturbed, substance abuse, serious illness, and deceased patients. While performing the duties of this position, the employee will travel by automobile and is exposed to changing weather conditions. #J-18808-Ljbffr