Registered Dietitian

PACE Place is part of a national network of programs called the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), offering seniors and their families the care, nutrition, rehabilitation, transportation and supportive services they need to remain healthy and living in their own home. PACE Place has been approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and the State of Florida.

PACE Center located on Ramona Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205

Registered Dietitian

Full Time: Mon - Friday

$4000 Sign on Bonus Offered

Job Description Summary

Under the supervision of the Center Manager, assesses nutritional status of PACE Place participants. Uses pertinent data to plan and implement appropriate nutrition interventions and communicate the information to the Interdisciplinary Team to ensure the nutritional needs of the participants are met. Functions as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team. Provides nutrition counseling, education and therapy to participants; educates and counsels family and other caregivers regarding dietary issues; and conducts initial assessments and periodic reassessments. Participates in the development of the plan of care, assists in the coordination of 24 hour care delivery, and regularly informs the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) of the nutritional needs of each participant. Coordinates Center meal service to ensure kitchen standards are met. Coordinates with contracted meal services to ensure meal plans and substitute meals meet the needs of the PACE Place participants. Provides education to other health care professionals as appropriate. Provides direction and supervision to the Dietary Aide.

• Conduct an initial comprehensive nutritional assessment on all PACE Place participants upon enrollment, annually and unscheduled reassessments when needed.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop a comprehensive care plan for each participant.
• Function as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Maintain regular attendance at and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings; communicate participant changes, collaborate on care planning decisions and support coordination for 24 hour care delivery. Actively participate in the Intake and Assessment care plan meetings.
• Provide continuity in care with an emphasis on beneficial outcomes to the participant.
• Remains abreast of advances in nutrition. Apply nutrition knowledge to patient populations ranging from age 55 for inpatient, outpatient and home care settings.
• Monitor weight, medical diagnosis, drug nutrient interactions, changes in chewing or swallowing, mood changes, hydration status, intake, skin breakdown and report changes to the interdisciplinary team with recommendations for changes.
• Communicate effectively with other members of the health care team using a variety of communication styles and tools.
• Provide nutritional counseling and education for PACE Place participants and/or caregivers using appropriate materials. Provide individual and group education as appropriate.
• Present a positive, professional attitude and appearance. Practice positive customer service skills.
• Participate in performance improvement teams, task forces and committees for the PACE Place.
• Supervise and evaluate the performance of the Dietary Aides.
• Oversee maintenance/cleanliness and orderliness of serving kitchen.
• Monitor portion control; appropriate serving of food; adherence to therapeutic diets, purchasing and inventory of food.
• Provide nutrition training to PACE Place staff.
• Act as liaison with contracted meal service to ensure meals meet the needs of the PACE Place participants.
• Act only within the scope of his or her authority to practice.
• Know and adhere to philosophy and goals of the PACE Place program.
• Documentation of care that reflects excellence as demonstrated by clear, concise, comprehensive data.
• Complete assessment and documentation in a timely fashion and to meet all deadlines.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education/Training/Certifications:

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with major studies in food and nutrition or dietetics.
• Registered Dietitian.

Experience:

Minimum of 1 year working with a frail or elderly population.

Minimum of two (2) years clinical nutrition and supervisory experience.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Skills and knowledge necessary to assure assessment, treatment or care is appropriate to the age and nutritional needs of the Adult and Geriatric patients served.
• Clinical experience in medical nutritional therapy, especially for common chronic diseases seen in the geriatric population (e.g. diabetes, heart disease).
• Able to instruct others in the correct use of standard kitchen equipment and utensils and food handling safety.
• Clear, concise verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to manage time and prioritize tasks.
• Personable, professional interactions skills with others.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Must have or obtain First Aid and CPR certification (from a certified provider) for this position due to participant contact.

Where applicable, and as required by law, employment with PACE Partners of Northeast Florida may be contingent upon successful completion of a background screening initiated by the organization through the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Background Screening Clearinghouse. More information about the Clearinghouse, including positions that require screening, can be found here: https://info.flclearinghouse.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer