At DAP Health, we are committed to transforming lives and advancing health equity for all. As a leading nonprofit health care provider, we deliver compassionate, high-quality care to the diverse communities of the Coachella Valley and San Diego County. Our comprehensive services range from primary care to mental health, wellness programs, and beyond, with a focus on those who are most vulnerable. Joining our team means becoming part of a passionate, innovative organization dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. If you're looking for a dynamic and purpose-driven environment, we invite you to explore the opportunity to contribute to our mission.
Job Summary
The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) counsels patients on a variety of nutrition-related conditions to support and enhance overall health, with particular emphasis on the prevention and management of diabetes and prediabetes. This includes individualized nutrition assessment, blood glucose management education, and guidance on healthy eating patterns to improve health outcomes. The RDN provides nutrition interventions as part of the Community Health and Wellness team. The RDN is an integral member of the interdisciplinary care team, which includes clinicians, nurses, medical assistants, community health specialists, and other practitioners. The RDN also serves as a clinical nutrition resource for members of the interdisciplinary care team.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
Administrative Functions
- Conduct initial and additional nutrition assessments as needed/identified by the initial assessment for effective assessment, intervention and, referral of certain risk conditions
- Contribute to and revise the individualized care plan nutritional component in consultation with the patient for prevention and/or resolution of nutrition problems, and the support and maintenance of strengths and habits oriented toward optimal nutritional status
- Provide nutrition interventions directed toward helping patients understand the importance of maintaining good nutrition throughout the life course
- Provide necessary medical nutrition therapy for patients at risk of chronic disease.
- Maintain documentation of all patient encounters in the electronic medical record, utilize appropriate organizational electronic communication systems, and communicate by other appropriate means on patient plan of care
- Select and/or produce culturally sensitive nutrition education materials suitable for the patients served
- Assist and/or lead in developing/revising and implementing nutrition related educational materials, curricula, groups, policies, procedures, protocols, and templates; organize and stock materials as necessary
- Assist and/or lead in the Diabetes Education Accreditation Program (DEAP) process.
- Collaborate with and refer patients to external services, programs, agencies and other providers as warranted
- Collaborate with other internal departments (i.e. Behavioral Health, Pediatrics, Dental, and Family Practice) to connect patients with other services as part of their care
- Monitor patients’ attendance at appointments and call patients to reschedule missed appointments
- Update local community resources and nutrition referral network for patients
- Serve as resource for practitioners to provide basic individual and/or group nutrition education
- Serve as a resource for and communicate effectively with care teams, the patient(s), and the patient’s family/pertinent persons regarding patient plan of care and critical information as appropriate
- Utilize established reporting tools to manage caseload and utilization of services
- Work toward meeting program performance indicators
- Follow scope-specific and DAP Health guidelines, policies, procedures, and protocols for patient care and service quality
- Participate in and attend all meetings as requested, including but not limited to team program meetings, clinic/department meetings, huddles, provider meetings/training, and program subcommittees
- Assume responsibility for ongoing professional development and continuing education, attend conferences/programs to update knowledge and skills, and continuously seek to improve and maintain professional competence
- Perform other duties as assigned
Clinical Functions
- Support patients to improve their health and assist with self-management support
- Knowledge of nutrition considerations for individuals living with HIV
- Provide quality care to the patients of DAP Health, within the scope of practice outlined by state or federal law
- Deliver care in accordance with established standards of care and accepted community standards
- Understand the organization's commitment to provide high-quality patient care and promote a patient centered environment
- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss complex patient cases, workflow and/or processes related to operations
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
New Hire Bonus
We are pleased to offer a new-hire bonus of $10,000 for this role.
Required Skills/Abilities
- Knowledge of public health, prediabetes, and diabetes self-management concepts is preferred. Ability to develop normal and therapeutic diets to an individual’s cultural and religious needs and preferences.
- Ability to relate and communicate well with all cultural and ethnic groups in the community
- Experience with motivational interviewing
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Effective interpersonal skills
- Ability to work well in both a team-based environment and independently
- Basic computer literacy ability to comply with department needs and expectations (i.e., electronic medical record documentation, obtaining background information and reports on patients, following up on appts, etc.)
- Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment by prioritizing work activities, handling multiple tasks, working with interruptions, negotiating deadlines, and dealing with confidential information
- Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, public health or related field
- Registered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration or be eligible for and obtain Registration by the Commission on Dietetic Registration within 6 months
- Experience delivering nutrition counseling via telehealth platforms
- Experience working at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), including working with underserved, uninsured, and minority populations preferred
- Experience with Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist credential (CDCES) preferred
- Current BLS certification obtained through the American Heart Association, American Red Cross or American Safety and Health Institute
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements
- This position is on-site at a DAP Health clinic location with hybrid ability
- Able to lift/move up to 40 pounds, move from place to place, and stand for long periods of time
- Requires current and valid driver’s license and current personal auto insurance
- Able to travel to DAP Health locations throughout San Diego and Riverside
Pay: $79,130.00 - $91,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Palm Springs, CA 92262
