Job Description
Job Description
INTRODUCTION
Unity Health Care has launched a Food Pharmacy Program, a collaborative effort with Capitol Area Food Bank, to combat food insecurity for senior patients aged 65 years of age and older. The Food Pharmacy will target seniors who have hypertension, diabetes and/or obesity at Unity’s East of the River health center site. Under the supervision of the Medical Director, the Nutritionist will provide patient nutrition education and consultation. Also, the nutritionist will determine and prioritize the nutritional risks of clients based on established priority factors.
MAJOR DUTIES
- Provides nutritional instructions to patients 65+ living with hypertension, diabetes and/or obesity.
- Disseminates Unity-CAFB designed toolkit that promotes health education around healthy foods etc.,
- Provides nutrition-based patient health education on tailored food prescription to address the patient's medical and nutritional needs, taking into consideration food preferences and cultural background.
- Develops nutritional care plans for designated high-risk individuals and provides follow-up instructions, as required, to assure that the health and nutritional needs of the clients are adequately addressed.
- Coordinates nutritional care with other health care members in order to ensure comprehensive medical and social services for clients, including referrals for related services, such as Food Stamps, Medicaid benefits, as required.
- Keeps abreast of current research findings in nutrition health education and related nutritional needs to assure that appropriate and up to date intervention strategies are provided to participants.
- Reviews patient’s medical records for medical history, laboratory results in order to provide nutritional instructions and develop an appropriate and feasible meal plan.
- Participates in Food Pharmacy related meetings to provide ongoing patient progress/overall updates.
- Assures that nutrition education, patient engagement and counseling services are documented, as appropriate in the medical record.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s of Science degree in Food and Nutrition required.
- Master’s of Science in Food and Nutrition or related area preferred.
- Current Registered Dietitian DC License.
- Current Registered Dietician License preferred.
- Registered Dietitian with the American Dietetic Association.
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
- Bachelor’s-level candidate must have minimum of two years of clinical experience.
- Master’s candidate must have a minimum of one year of clinical experience, preferably in the area of infectious diseases.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
This position reports directly to the Medical Director, East of the River
GUIDELINES
This position abides by all rules and regulations set forth by applicable licensing and regulatory bodies, as well as UHC policies and Procedures.
PERSONAL CONTACTS:
This position has primary contact with the clients and employees of Unity Health Care.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Refer to attached ADA requirements.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Refer to attached ADA requirements.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS
The incumbent must be able to balance the needs of diverse constituencies on a daily basis.
RISKS
The position involves everyday risk and discomfort, which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings, training rooms, and other UHC health Care Sites. The work area is adequately lit, heated, and ventilated. The position requires contact with staff at all levels throughout the organization. There are also external organizational relationships that may be a part of the work of this individual. All medical services shall be provided according to medically accepted community standards of care. The employee shall provide evidence of a recent (within the past twelve (12) months) health assessment that includes a PPD and/or chest x-ray results.
The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.