Pre-Registered Dietitian - Full Time

Job Description and Duties

This advertisement is posted "Until Filled". Application review dates are as follows:

• September 14, 2026
• September 28, 2026

The Pre-Registered Dietitian will be supervised by a Registered Dietitian in Nutrition Services at the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties, but not limited to:

Under the supervision of a Registered Dietitian, Nutrition Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation

• Completes nutrition assessments utilizing the Nutrition Care Process for each assigned patient.
• Attends and consults with members of the treatment and interdisciplinary team.
• Initiates a more intensive MNT plan for patients identified at higher nutritional risk.
• Monitors and evaluates effectiveness of nutrition interventions and outcomes.
• Maintains current patient profile information on assigned patients.

Under the supervision of a Registered Dietitian, Nutrition Therapy Plan Implementation

• Implements nutrition interventions in collaboration with the treatment/interdisciplinary team.
• Communicates to Nutrition Services staff and monitors the individualized patient meal/nourishment plans.
• Provides consultation to unit staff and patients as problems or questions arise regarding MNT.
• Participates in department meetings, professional practice groups and hospital committees.

Under the supervision of a Registered Dietitian, Performance Improvement/Resource and Training Functions
Under the supervision of a Registered Dietitian, Plans and Provides Nutrition Group Education

Click on the link to complete the Department of State Hospitals Recruitment Survey: DSH Recruitment Survey

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

• The Pre-Registered Dietitian is a temporary appointment classification. All appointments in this class are made on a temporary basis and are not to exceed six (6) months. 
• May apply for open, permanent Registered Dietitian positions when minimum qualifications have been met. 
• This position requires you to work within the Secured Treatment Area (STA).

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California offers a generous benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Medical Benefits (health, dental, and vision)
• Work life balance (some positions qualify for flexible work hours and schedules, and a minimum of 10 days of paid leave annually – specific accrual rates can be found here )
• Paid Holidays and leave (family medical leave, military leave, etc)
• Defined benefit retirement program with CalPERS
• Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
• School loan forgiveness under federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Commute Program
• Employee Wellness Program (discounts to health clubs)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• ScholarShare (college savings account)
• On-the-job training and professional development
• Most positions qualify for annual raises until you reach the maximum salary for that position, subject to meeting performance standards

Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

These webpages are intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base, and length of appointment.

Additional Information

• Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.
• Applications postmarked on the final filing date will be accepted.
• Scanned, copied, or faxed applications will not be accepted.
• Applications will be screened and only the most competitive will be offered an interview.
• Any limited-term appointments may transition in to a permanent appointment.
• Selected candidates will be required to submit to a criminal history review utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.
• This position requires candidates to pass a Medical Evaluation. You will be required to submit to a Medical Evaluation and receive clearance prior to being hired.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Other - You MUST provide a copy of your unofficial transcripts showing graduation or equivalent to graduation from college with a major in dietetics or institutional management from a coordinated undergraduate dietetic program OR a formalized post baccalaureate education program approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, along with your application (STD. 678) to be considered for this position. Higher degrees cannot be accepted without evidence of the lower degree that leads to it. Please note: foreign transcripts must include a verification for US equivalency through an independent company.
  
• Other - You MUST include proof of application to take the registered dietitian examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.