Nutrition Specialist I, Care Delivery

Nutrition ExpertUnder general supervision, serves as the nutrition expert for the Population Health Services Organization. Collaborates with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to provide comprehensive nutrition care for patients requiring nutrition interventions. Independently assesses, develops, implements, monitors, and evaluates nutrition care plans based on clinical expertise and evidence-based practice. Provides education, training, and consultation to patients, families, and members of the healthcare team while ensuring accurate and timely documentation within the medical record.Key ResponsibilitiesConduct comprehensive nutrition assessments and identify patients at nutrition risk using the Nutrition Care Process, including assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation.Develop and implement individualized nutrition care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary care team, modifying plans as appropriate based on clinical judgment and patient needs.Provide nutrition counseling and education to patients and families regarding nutrition support, disease management, and healthy lifestyle practices.Document nutrition assessments, interventions, education, and follow-up care in the electronic medical record according to departmental and professional standards.Serve as a nutrition resource for healthcare providers and provide education, guidance, and training to clinical staff regarding nutrition-related topics and patient care.Collaborate with nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers, case managers, clinic leadership, external dietitians, and vendors to support continuity of care and successful patient transitions.Participate in interdisciplinary rounds and contribute to patient-centered care planning and outcomes.Support departmental goals through active participation in team meetings, quality initiatives, community outreach activities, and cross-coverage as needed.Maintain compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and organizational standards while ensuring readiness for surveys and evaluations.Complete all required training and continuing education activities to maintain professional competency and licensure.Stay current with advances in clinical nutrition practice by participating in professional development activities, conferences, workshops, and evidence-based learning opportunities.Support dietetic internship and educational programs by serving as a preceptor, assisting with candidate selection, mentoring interns, and contributing to educational presentations or workshops.Participate in process improvement, quality improvement, and research initiatives, including:Assisting with the development and implementation of action plansCollecting and tracking quality and performance dataSupporting department- and unit-based research activitiesAdditional InformationThis position is funded through a two-year grant and is expected to continue for the duration of the grant period.Education & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Food and Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field required.Registered Dietitian credential through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) required.Current Maryland licensure as a Dietitian/Nutritionist required.Minimum of six (6) months of clinical experience as a Registered Dietitian required.Completion of a specialty fellowship program, specialty certification (e.g., CNSC, CDCES/CDE, CSR, CSP, CSO, IBCLC), or a Master's degree required.Must maintain 30 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years.Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesStrong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and nutrition principles as they relate to clinical decision-making and patient care.Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with patients, physicians, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive, professional relationships while delivering exceptional customer service to patients, families, visitors, and colleagues.Proficiency in learning and utilizing electronic medical record (EMR) systems to document and manage patient information.Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize responsibilities effectively.Knowledge of and commitment to departmental policies, procedures, regulatory standards, and patient confidentiality requirements.Ability to provide age-appropriate nutrition care across the lifespan, including assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation based on the unique nutritional needs of diverse patient populations.Demonstrated ability to assess patient data, identify nutrition-related needs, and develop individualized care plans in accordance with departmental standards and best practices.This role is funded for an initial two-year period through a grant. Renewal is possible if future funding is secured; however, continuation beyond the grant period cannot be guaranteed. University of Maryland Medical System