Dietitian

DIETITIAN

Position Identification

TITLE: Dietitian
DEPARTMENT: Department of Support Services
REPORTS TO: Administrator

Position Objective

To ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department of Support Services

Position Specification

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition (Dietetics) or Nutrition Major
• Approved Dietetic Internship Program
• Professional Dietitian Membership with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Dietetics (NSRD) and/or Canadian Association
• Management/Leadership Certificate
• Minimum of three years senior leadership experience in a Health Care Facility, preferably in a long term care setting or a minimum of five years management experience in nutrition in a medium to large size team
• Extensive knowledge and experience in Labour Relations and applying the terms of a Collective Agreement
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Experience in Strategic Planning (asset)

Competencies

• Thinking Capabilities
• Decisiveness
• Strategic Orientation
• Leadership Effectiveness
• Development of People
• Team Leadership
• Self Management
• Achievement Orientation
• Self Confidence/Courage of Convictions
• Social Awareness
• Impact & Influence
• Relationship Building

Knowledge & Skills:

• Conflict Resolution
• Communication
• Decision Making
• Interpersonal
• Financial Management
• Coaching/Mentoring
• Innovative
• Critical Thinking
• Relationship
• Leadership
• Problem Solving
• Organizational
• Time Management
• Nutritional Services Management
• Detailed Orientated
• Thorough
• Achievement Orientated
• Human Resource Management

Characteristics & Behaviors:

• Accountable
• Disciplined
• Initiative
• Adaptable
• Enthusiastic
• Motivated
• Approachable
• Flexible
• Professional
• Compassionate
• Friendly
• Reliable
• Cooperative
• Honest
• Responsible

Position Summary

Reporting to the Administrator, the Dietitian is responsible for defining and for the direction, coordination, quality, safety, planning and delivery of all matters related to Nutritional Services for the facility. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Dietitian assists in the development, administration and coordination of the departmental policies and procedures and makes reports and recommendations to the Administrator regarding the function of the Nutritional Services Department.

The Dietitian is responsible for assessing the Clinical Nutritional needs of all residents of Glen Haven Manor upon admission and complete assessment follow up annually and as required. The Dietitian is also responsible for the planning, organizing of the menu and then reviewing or making changes based on the Nutritional Guide of Canada and all therapeutic diet programs. The Dietitian collaborates with all departments to ensure activities are planned and coordinated appropriately, integrates suggestions identified through Resident and Family Council, participates in all planning related to the priorities of the facility and the needs of residents.

The Dietitian conducts periodic evaluations and survey inspections to identify deficiencies and develops and implements a corrective action plan. The Dietitian ensures all information related to nutritional service requirements and keeping a resident's environment safe and clean are implemented in accordance with the commitment to providing exceptional individualized quality care.

Duties & Responsibilities

Management and Leadership:

• Assesses the Clinical Nutritional needs of all residents of Glen Haven Manor upon admission and complete assessment follow up annually and as required. The Dietitian is also responsible for the planning, organizing of the menu and then reviewing or making changes based on the Nutritional Guide of Canada and all therapeutic diet programs.
• Recommends therapeutic diets, oral nutritional supplements, and texture modifications.
• Participates in resident care conferences and contributing to interdisciplinary care planning.
• Works closely with the nursing staff, including Director of Care; nurses and additional members of the care team, using an interdisciplinary approach to ensure coordinated nutritional support for residents.
• Educates residents, families, and staff on nutrition-related topics.
• Establishes and maintains high standards for employee performance and conducts performance reviews.
• Participates in the development and coordination of strategic planning.
• Provides effective leadership by ensuring that best practices protocols are implemented, practiced, upgraded, and maintained by duly qualified and licensed professionals.
• Responsible for the direction of site-based operations staff. This includes responsibilities regarding disciplinary matters, training, retraining, quality assurance and client satisfaction.
• Coordinates and provides accountabilities for all departmental activities to insure the effective and efficient delivery of services of the department including matters related client admissions, client service, family liaison, governmental liaison, accreditation, licensing, professional standards, and professional outsourcing of services required by the department.
• Accounts for the smooth, effective, and efficient operation of the department, and more particularly, to create and support a work environment conducive to a positive staff morale and a profession staff approach in all their interactions with clients, client families, co-workers, and the public at large.
• Facilitates coordination and communication of matters that have inter-departmental implication or impact.
• Provides leadership and participates in the various standing or ad hoc committees and teams with a commitment to continuously improve the standard of care or the general environment conducive to the delivery of quality care.
• Actively participates in the planning, organizing, and directing of the activities in Departments within the designated span of control. Observe all by-laws, rules, and regulations and the Facility's compliance with federal and provincial statutes and regulations.
• Communication on a routine basis with Senior Leaders/Managers, to advise the Administrator on matters pertinent to services and care within the organization.
• Participate in the public relations programs within the facility and community, with other facilities and community agencies.
• Participate in personal professional development.
• Develops, implements, and modifies policies and procedures.
• Instills a positive service-minded attitude and feeling of pride and responsibility in the Support Services staff by demonstrating a personal enthusiasm and team spirit.
• Accounts for the overall comfort and satisfaction of residents as it relates to departmental services.

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

• Ensures departmental compliance with all requirements imposed including matters related to information management, policies, procedures, statutory requirements, and professional standards.
• Establish and maintain the standards of the Canadian Council on Accreditation for Health Care Facilities that are relevant to the profession for which there is line authority and ensures active participation in the Quality Assurance Programs of the facility.
• Performs an important role in the quality assurance process by performing inspections of all Nutritional services provided, and ensure compliance with all applicable statutory, regulatory or industry standards and codes. Reporting responsibilities include inspection reports, client satisfaction surveys, equipment inspections, daily team reports, project completion reports, and other quality assurance tasks.

Safety Health & Environmental Affairs

• Complete all job tasks in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures and Safe Work Practices and acknowledge health and safety as everyone's responsibility.
• Active participation in activities associated with the management of workplace safety, health and environmental affairs as endorsement of a progressive safety culture.
• Applies infection control practices and standards precautions, as required.

Working Conditions

• Hours of Work - Monday to Friday (including evenings, weekends and holidays as determined by department & organizational need)
• Lead staff corrective action and disciplinary processes.
• Interface with residents, families, and visitors
• Report and respond to emergency situations.

Physical Requirements

• Light to moderate working conditions

Direct Reports

• Support Services Supervisor, Support Services Team consisting of Cooks and Nutritional Services Workers.

Acknowledgement

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the role.