Dietitian - health

Job DescriptionRegistered Dietitian Department: Clinical Services
Position Summary The Registered Dietitian (RD) is responsible for providing nutrition assessment, education, counseling, and meal planning services to clients receiving detoxification and residential treatment for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. The RD collaborates with the interdisciplinary treatment team to identify nutritional deficiencies, address medical and dietary concerns, and promote healthy eating behaviors that support recovery and overall wellness.
The Registered Dietitian provides individualized nutrition interventions while ensuring compliance with physician orders, therapeutic diets, accreditation standards, and applicable state and federal regulations.
Complete comprehensive nutrition assessments for clients identified as at nutritional risk or referred by the treatment team.
Assess weight history, BMI, laboratory values, hydration status, appetite, food intake, gastrointestinal concerns, and nutrition-related medical conditions.
Individual Nutrition Counseling
Provide individualized nutrition counseling utilizing motivational interviewing and person-centered approaches.
Educate clients regarding the relationship between nutrition, substance use recovery, mood regulation, sleep, and overall wellness.
Develop individualized nutrition goals that support recovery.
Nutrition in Recovery
Healing the Brain Through Nutrition
Meal Planning on a Budget
Nutrition and Medication Interactions
Meal Planning
Monitor food quality and nutritional balance.
Assist with special dietary accommodations.
Food allergies and intolerances
Vegetarian, vegan, and religious dietary needs
Assess clients at increased nutritional risk during withdrawal.
Monitor hydration and electrolyte concerns in collaboration with nursing and medical providers.
Provide ongoing nutrition counseling throughout treatment.
Collaborate with therapists to incorporate wellness goals into treatment planning.
Collaborate with physicians, nurses, therapists, case managers, and behavioral health technicians.
Provide nutrition recommendations that support individualized treatment planning.
Communicate nutrition-related concerns to the interdisciplinary team.
Complete timely nutrition assessments, progress notes, treatment recommendations, and discharge summaries as indicated.
Document all services in the electronic medical record according to agency policy.
Discharge Planning
Provide nutrition recommendations for continued recovery following discharge.
Educate clients regarding community nutrition resources.
Coordinate referrals for outpatient nutrition counseling when indicated.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or related field.
Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) credential through the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Experience working with substance use disorders, behavioral health, or medical populations preferred.
Knowledge of nutrition-related complications associated with substance use disorders.
Familiarity with co-occurring mental health disorders.
Understanding of ASAM Criteria and levels of care.
Knowledge of motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday.
Ability to occasionally lift educational materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
Performance Expectations The Registered Dietitian is expected to:
Complete nutrition assessments within required timeframes.
Provide evidence-based nutrition education.
Maintain compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
Promote client-centered, recovery-oriented care.
Support the organization's mission, values, and commitment to quality improvement.

Meal Planning and Food Service Coordination
Create seasonal and cyclical menus that provide balanced nutrition while incorporating client preferences, cultural considerations, and variety.
Coordinate directly with the contracted caterer or food service vendor regarding menu planning, meal preparation, portion sizes, food substitutions, and special dietary requests.
Review menus regularly to ensure compliance with physician-ordered therapeutic diets, food allergies, religious dietary restrictions, vegetarian/vegan requests, and other medically necessary accommodations.
Monitor meal quality, nutritional adequacy, and client satisfaction, making recommendations for menu modifications as needed.
Conduct routine reviews of food service operations to ensure meals are served safely, timely, and in accordance with applicable health department, licensing, and accreditation standards.
Collaborate with nursing, medical providers, and the interdisciplinary treatment team to address nutrition-related concerns that arise during treatment.
Evaluate trends in client feedback regarding meals and implement quality improvement initiatives to enhance nutritional services and overall client satisfaction.
Develop nutrition-related policies and procedures pertaining to food service, therapeutic diets, hydration, and nutritional support within the facility.
Assist administration in developing food service budgets by providing recommendations regarding menu planning, cost-effective meal options, nutritional quality, and vendor performance.
Participate in meetings with the caterer as needed to review menu compliance, discuss operational concerns, and ensure food services continue to support the organization's mission of providing recovery-oriented, evidence-based care.