Senior Clinical Dietitian

Senior Clinical Dietitian – Houston Methodist As a Senior Clinical Dietitian, you will serve as an experienced clinician responsible for delivering high‑quality nutrition care using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Care Process (NCP). You’ll assess patients, determine nutrition diagnoses, develop and implement interventions, and monitor progress. In addition to clinical duties, you will mentor interns, pre‑seed entry‑level staff, and collaborate with the interprofessional health‑care team to provide integrated inpatient/outpatient care. Participation in departmental and quality improvement projects is also expected. FLSA STATUS Exempt QUALIFICATIONS Graduate of a U.S. National Commission for Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA)‑approved education program for the required credentials listed below. EXPERIENCE At least three years clinical nutrition experience as a Registered Dietitian. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS Required: Registered Dietitian (RD) – Commission on Dietetic Registration Certified Dietician. Licensed Dietitian (LD) – Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation within 60 days of hire. Preferred: Basic Life Support (BLS) or BLS Instructor certification (American Heart Association). KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Demonstrated competency in clinical nutrition and ongoing skill evaluation. Proficient in English (speaking, reading, writing) for patient and safety communication. Effective communication with patients, family, physicians, and staff using positive language principles. Strong knowledge of local City Food Ordinance and Health Department standards. Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment with physicians and the care team. Comprehensive computer skills, including Microsoft Office. Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team; commitment to exceptional customer service. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Consult with patients individually regarding nutrition concerns; recommend personalized nutrition plans. Serve as a resource for all nutrition inquiries, providing counseling consistent with Houston Methodist and industry ethics. Utilize therapeutic communication – active listening and teaching – to establish relationships with patients, families, and the care team. Support department initiatives to improve employee engagement and peer‑to‑peer accountability. SERVICE‑RELATED FUNCTIONS Assess nutrition status and implement care per the NCP. Develop and lead nutrition education classes with the dietitian team; evaluate patient comprehension and adapt teaching methods. Advocate on behalf of patients/families to resolve clinical and ethical concerns. Promote patient‑satisfaction metrics through peer‑to‑peer accountability to service standards. QUALITY/SAFETY FUNCTIONS Provide cross‑coverage for continuity of care and document outcomes accurately. Use evidence‑based, analytical approaches to meet patient nutrition needs and achieve patient‑safety outcomes. Complete quality monitors and identify practice improvements with research‑based evidence; meet department and hospital targets. FINANCIAL FUNCTIONS Complete activity, productivity, and reporting on time; prioritize tasks efficiently to support cost‑effective care. Assist in meeting financial targets by optimizing nutrition plans for cost efficiency. GROWTH/INNOVATION FUNCTIONS Represent nutrition on at least one departmental committee, task force, or work group. Lead at least one continuous or process improvement project. Provide mentorship and training; conduct annual diet‑knowledge sessions for nutrition assistants and supervise interns per ACEND standards. Identify personal development needs and maintain professional competencies through research review and ongoing skills planning. SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS Work Attire: Scrubs and business professional acceptable; no uniform. On‑Call: On‑call duties may be required during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather). Travel: May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area; no travel outside the area. Desirable EEO statement: Houston Methodist is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Houston Methodist