Dietetics Assistant Director

Job Description and Duties

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

• September 14, 2026
• September 28, 2026

The Dietetics Assistant Director will be directed by the Dietetics Director in Nutrition Services at the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties but not limited to:

• Manages personnel and staffing related activities for Nutrition Services as assigned. 
• Computer use is required.
• Manages, i.e., plans, organizes, and directs, the activities required by Nutrition Services for the quality provision of patient meals, nourishments, and ancillary dietetic services. 
• Computer use is required.
• Manages Nutrition Services key department activities and functions as assigned and provided liaison to other hospital areas related to e.g., personnel, procurement/menus, equipment, standards compliance, events, training, safety/security/environment of care, emergency preparedness, infection control/HACCP/food safety, automation, etc. 
• Possesses knowledge of, monitors adherence to, prepares for site visits, escorts/attends meetings related to Joint Commission, Licensing, Environmental Health, Department of State Hospitals; DSH-Atascadero policies, procedures, directives, laws, standards, and regulations relevant to Nutrition Services production/presentation/ancillary dietetic services.
• Participates in quality control monitoring, reporting, and resolution of concerns.
• Promotes and participates in performance improvement activities.
• Ensures staff are included in PI activities and kept informed through frequent staff meetings.
• Ensures patient suggestions/concerns from various sources are investigated, resolved, documented (e.g., attends Nutrition & Unit Representative meeting, internal patient complaints, patient rights complaints, etc.).
• Works with staff and department management to establish, implement annual department objectives.
• Participates in assigned department and hospital meetings and teams.
• Participates in the Dietetic Internship (DI) Program in site planning, preceptor responsibilities, and acting DI Director if needed.
• Maintains Food Safety Certification.
• Models, monitors, intervenes, and responds as needed to ensure Nutrition Services' adherence to requirements in safety, security, relationship security, infection control, emergency response, and a non-hostile work environment.

Eligibility: To be considered for this career opportunity, applicants must have eligibility by way of one of the following: reachable on a certification list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications specified in the examination bulletin/classification specifications.

If you do not have eligibility, you must take the exam. The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy.

Click here to take the Dietetics Assistant Director Examination

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

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.

You MUST attach proof of registration as a Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

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 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  attach proof of registration as a Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.