Diet Technician-Food Service

Req#: R22664
Category(s): Allied Health Clinical Professional, Nutrition
Full Time / Part Time: Per Diem
Shift: First

Summary: 

The Diet Technician provides food and nutrition services to patients under the guidance of a registered dietitian. Primary responsibilities include conducting nutrition screening and routine nutrition assessments, developing and implementing nutrition care plans for assigned patients, providing individualized or group nutrition education, monitoring quality and accuracy of food served to patients and maintaining professional competency and skills required for professional practice.

Job Responsibilities: 

1) Provide quality service based on client expectations and needs. Collaborate with client to assess needs, background, resources and to establish mutual goals. Collaborate with other patient care professionals as appropriate. Apply knowledge and skills to determine the most appropriate action plans. Implement quality practice by following policies, procedures, legislation, practice guidelines and the Standards of Professional Practice. Foster excellence and exhibit professionalism in practice. Educate client and others in appropriate MNT. Help clients and others to identify and secure appropriate and available resources and services.

2) Perform assessment based on parameters according to nutrition practice guidelines 91-95% of time as demonstrated by quarterly chart review. Develop individualized medical nutrition therapy care plan based upon results of nutrition assessments, patient participation and parameters as defined in nutrition practice guidelines 91-95% of time, as demonstrated by quarterly chart review. Incorporate patient cultural and religious practices into medical nutrition therapy care plan 91-95% of time as demonstrated by quarterly chart review. Monitor patient outcomes utilizing parameters defined in nutrition practice guidelines and adjust plan accordingly 91-95% of time as demonstrated by quarterly chart review. Assess discharge nutrition therapy education needs 91-95% of time as demonstrated by quarterly chart review. Enter telephone orders & protocol orders according to medical staff bylaws, approved protocols and clinical operations policies. 100% of time as demonstrated by quarterly.

3) Effectively apply knowledge and communicate with others. Communicate sound scientific principles, research and theory. Integrate knowledge of food and human nutrition with knowledge of health, social sciences communication, and management theory. Share knowledge and information with clients. Help students and clients apply knowledge and skills. Document interpretation of relevant information and results of communication with professionals, personnel, students or clients. Seek out information to provide effective service.

4) Post education document patient comprehension and methods used 91-95% of time as demonstrated by quarterly chart review. Brief assigned dietitian/diet technician when patient transferred to other BHS care settings 91-95% of time as demonstrated by peer review. Complete discharge report as needed for transferring patients 91-95% of time as demonstrated by quarterly chart interview. Participate in Baystate Committees or Baystate sponsored community events at least once per year. Assess and document patient learning readiness 91-95% time as demonstrated by quarterly chart review. Conduct departmental in-services and education session for students, new employees, professional and non-professional staff as assigned.

5) Uses resources effectively and efficiently in practice. Uses measurable resources such as personnel, monies, equipment, guidelines, protocols, reference materials, and time in the provision of dietetics services. Contribute to safety, effectiveness and cost factors used in planning and delivering service and products. Justify use of resources by documenting consistency with plan, continuous quality improvement and desired outcomes.

6) When off site, utilizes I.S. technology to forward documentation to appropriate staff as demonstrated by quarterly review. Adhere to time requirements as specified in nutrition practice guidelines 91-95% of time as demonstrated by quarterly chart review. Adhere to time requirements for follow up as specified in nutrition practice guidelines 91-95% of time as demonstrated by quarterly review. Document action taken when discrepancies exist.

7) Submit DTR log for department monthly reports by 1st day of month 91-95% of time as demonstrated by submission date. Check tray line with no more than 2 errors per line with the exception of adverse reactions/allergies-rate at 2 errors per year. Systematically evaluate the quality and effectiveness of practice and revise practice as needed to incorporate results of evaluation. Identify performance improvement criteria to monitor effectiveness of services. Identify expected outcomes. Document outcomes of services provided. Compare actual performance to expected outcomes. Document actions taken when discrepancies exist.

8) Engage in life-long self-development to improve knowledge and enhance professional competence. Identify needs for professional development and mentor others. Develop and implement a plan for professional growth. Document professional development activities. Adhere to the Code of Ethics for the profession of dietetics and is accountable and responsible for action and behavior. Take active leadership role. Has knowledge related to a specific area(s) of professional service.

Required Work Experience: 

1) Diet Technician or equivalent-Membership with American Dietetic Association

Preferred Work Experience: 

1) 1 year or more previous experience in clinical nutrition

2)  Experience with automated diet office-medical record preferred

Skills and Competencies: 

1) Competency validation in pediatrics and adolescents required within six months of assuming responsibility

2)  Ability to apply medical nutrition therapy as it relates to disease state and patient needs

3)  Excellent communication and organizational skills

4)  Ability to implement new program procedures with minimal direction

5)  Able to interact regularly with all levels of the health care team with tact and diplomacy

6)  Takes initiative in completing task

You Belong At Baystate

At Baystate Health we know that treating one another with dignity and equity is what elevates respect for our patients and staff. It makes us not just an organization, but also a community where you belong. It is how we advance the care and enhance the lives of all people.

DIVERSE TEAMS. DIVERSE PATIENTS. DIVERSE LOCATIONS.

Education:

Associate of Arts (Required)

Certifications:

Registered Dietician – Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

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