Registered Dietitian

Job Summary

The Registered Dietician will provide Medical Nutrition Therapy and Diabetes Case Management on an individual and group basis for Native Americans with a diagnosis of diabetes, pre-diabetes and those at risk for diabetes. Incumbent will provide education and consultation with health providers on nutrition counseling, care coordination, and care planning. Also, coordinate all nutrition components of the Diabetes Prevention Program curriculum under the direction of the Diabetes Program Manager.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

Instruct individuals as well as families and groups in nutritional principles, diet, food selection, and adapt teaching plans to individual life style and economic status of audience.

Coordinate and standardize diabetes curriculum for individual and group educational services.

Develop teaching materials, which incorporate appropriate lifestyle and cultural considerations.

Develop, implement, and evaluate individual and group educational services to include diabetes awareness education for at-risk clients, diabetes survival skills, basic diabetes education, Diabetes Self-Management Education, and lifestyle counseling for Pascua Yaqui communities and for tribal employees.

Participate in screening programs, community wellness activities, and other tribal activities as required.

Review food menus of tribal program such as the senior center, Head Start, and PY group living homes.

Provide nutritional services to other tribal programs, including but not limited to WIC, Head Start, Yoeme Kari House, and Men's Path.

Provide cooking demonstrations and classes for tribal community and tribal employees.

Work with the Program Manager to complete reports, audits, evaluations, and submissions to meet SDPI grant requirements. Assist with development of project goals, objectives, measurable outcomes, quality improvement projects, and work plans;

Maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills through the review of relevant literature, attendance at appropriate meetings, and participation in professional organizations.

Assure current knowledge and competency in diabetes of all staff involved in diabetes-related services by assisting in coordinating in-service continuing education.

Serve on committees as needed to coordinate and promote diabetes program and services.

Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as requested by supervisor or director.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Environmental, metabolic, and genetic conditions, which are involved in the development of all types of Diabetes mellitus;
• Conditions leading to or arising from Diabetes such as metabolic syndrome, blindness, renal failure, cardiovascular disease and amputation;
• Diabetes risk factors and prevention strategies;
• Diabetes disease process, including complications, treatment, and IHS and ADA standards of care;
• Current national standards for diabetes management;
• Principles of behavior modification and health education;
• Documentation using the RPMS data system;
• Pascua Yaqui community resources and public health programs, functions, and services;
• Tribal culture and customs;
• Yaqui culture, customs, resources and traditions and/or a willingness to learn.

Skills and Abilities:

• Assess the nutrition and education needs individuals especially those of at risk women, infants, children, and elders;
• Plan and provide education programming that meet community needs and fulfills federal regulatory requirements;
• Develop and identify nutrition education material for staff and other participants;
• Writing reports, evaluations, and documenting patient visits;
• Travel to meetings, seminars, workshops and job fairs on/off reservation;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other public agencies, and people in various settings;
• Social marketing and health education techniques;
• Communicating well in writing and in public speaking;
• Operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer and related software applications;
• Good communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, management, Council members, and the public. Have ability to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive verbal and written work instructions.

Education, Certifications and Experience Required

Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition and a current Registered Dietician Certification. Special Requirements:

• Registered Dietician Accreditation/Approval by the Commission on Accreditation/Approval for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association (ACEND); or able to obtain certification within ninety (90) days of hire. Failure to obtain within the first ninety (90) days of hire will result in termination;
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License;
• This position will require the incumbent to work non-traditional hours, nights, and weekends;
• Must have a current Level 1 Arizona Clearance Card or be able to obtain one within ninety (90) days of hire. Failure to maintain a current Level 1 Clearance Card will result in termination.