Registered Dietitian

Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey (JFSCNJ) is a non-sectarian health and social service agency serving individuals, families, and the elderly throughout Union County. Among its core programs, the Kosher Meals on Wheels program delivers hot, Glatt kosher, nutritious meals to homebound frail elderly residents who are unable to shop for or prepare food on their own. The Registered Dietitian plays a critical role in ensuring the nutritional integrity, safety, and quality of the meals provided to this vulnerable population. Position Summary The Registered Dietitian (RD) is responsible for overseeing all clinical nutrition aspects of the Kosher Meals on Wheels program, ensuring that all menus and meals meet federal, state, and Older Americans Act nutrition requirements while maintaining strict adherence to kosher dietary law (kashrut). The RD works closely with the kitchen/catering vendor, program coordinators, social workers, and volunteers to assess client nutritional needs, plan and approve menus, monitor food safety, and provide nutrition education and counseling to homebound clients and their caregivers. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Plan, review, and approve cyclical menus that meet at least one-third of the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) per meal, in accordance with Older Americans Act and NJ Division of Aging Services requirements. Ensure menus accommodate therapeutic diets (e.g., low-sodium, diabetic/carbohydrate-controlled, renal, low-fat, texture-modified/mechanical soft, and pureed diets) as needed by individual clients. Certify that all meals comply with Glatt kosher standards in coordination with the kitchen, caterer, and rabbinical/kashrut supervision. Calculate and document nutrient analyses for menus and maintain required nutritional records for regulatory and funder compliance (e.g., county Office on Aging, Title III-C funding). Client Assessment & Nutrition Counseling Conduct or oversee nutrition risk screenings and assessments for new and existing homebound clients. Provide individualized nutrition counseling and education to clients, family members, and caregivers, by phone or in-home visit as appropriate. Identify clients with special nutritional needs or risk factors (malnutrition, unintended weight loss/gain, chewing/swallowing difficulties) and recommend appropriate meal modifications or referrals. Collaborate with program social workers and case managers on clients' overall care plans. Food Safety & Quality Assurance Monitor food preparation, holding, packaging, and delivery practices for compliance with food safety regulations (ServSafe/HACCP principles) and kosher requirements. Conduct periodic site visits/audits of the kitchen or contracted meal vendor. Investigate and help resolve client complaints related to food quality, diet appropriateness, or menu variety. Program Administration & Compliance Maintain documentation required for county, state, and Older Americans Act funding compliance and grant reporting. Participate in program evaluation, quality improvement initiatives, and accreditation/licensing reviews. Train and provide nutrition guidance to program staff, kitchen personnel, and volunteer drivers as needed. Stay current on nutrition science, kosher dietary law as it pertains to food service, and aging/geriatric nutrition best practices. QualificationsRequired Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or related field. Current Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) credential through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Active New Jersey state licensure/certification as a dietitian/nutritionist (or eligibility to obtain prior to start). Minimum 1–2 years of clinical or community nutrition experience; geriatric or home-delivered meals experience strongly preferred. Working knowledge of, or willingness to learn, the laws of kashrut as they apply to institutional food service. Familiarity with Older Americans Act nutrition program requirements and/or willingness to learn NJ Division of Aging Services standards. Strong communication skills; comfortable working with elderly and homebound clients, families, and a diverse volunteer base. Valid driver's license (if home visits are required). #J-18808-Ljbffr Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey