Nutrition Assistant Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ (NOW HIRING)

A Career at Little Flower 

Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York is a nonprofit organization that has worked to improve the well-being of children, youth, and families across New York City and Long Island since 1929. Our staff of more than 500 provides prevention services, foster care, residential treatment care, adoption services, medical and mental health services, and programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities. 

A career with Little Flower can be rewarding in so many ways. We are looking for conscientious and caring people who are ready to commit to the work of strengthening families and supporting the well-being of children and adults with developmental disabilities. If you’re looking for a career where you can truly make a difference, we hope you will consider joining our team.  

Summary Job Description: 

The contracted Medical Nutrition Therapist is responsible for providing nutritional services to children and youth within the Enhanced Family Foster Care and Therapeutic Foster Boarding Home Program, as well as provide Enhanced Nutrition Services through Social Care Networks. Services must be medically necessary and recommended by a physician or other licensed practitioner of the healing arts acting within his or her scope of practice under state law. 

Medical Nutrition Therapy Services are intended to: 

• Prevent nutrition-related disease, disability, and/or other health conditions or their progression. 
• Prolong life, and/or promote physical and behavioral health and efficiency. 
• Achieve specific outcomes such as: 
• Remediate/manage existing nutrition-related health conditions. 
• Strengthen and maintain optimal health and well-being for children/youth at-risk of nutrition-related disease, disability, or adverse health conditions. 
• Strengthen self-care skills to promote independence. 

Principle Responsibilities: 

This position requires in office presence during scheduled on site clinic days. On non-clinic days a hybrid schedule is available.  

• Able to create trusting and impactful relationships with children and youth  
• Create treatment plans for specific health conditions as needed 
• Understand the connection between mental health, physical health, and trauma 
• Provide an initial nutrition and lifestyle assessment 
• Provide one on one nutrition counseling, including counseling related to long-term dietary change, eating disorders, increased physical activity, and behavior change strategies for weight control; and counseling and skill building to facilitate the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for self-care. 
• Provide Follow-up intervention visits to monitor progress 
• Communication with the various agency departments such as medical and mental health treatment team, case planning, foster parents, birth parents and external community providers/agencies  
• Attendance in team meetings and family conferences as needed 
• Provide training to staff to ensure compliance as needed 
• Provide individual nutritional counseling for individuals who are referred by the physician or other licensed practitioner of the healing arts acting within his or her scope of practice under State law. 
• Provide training to staff in the area of Nutrition in regard to NY State Regulations as indicated. 
• Detailed documentation and timely submission of session reports 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Special qualifications:  

• Master’s Degree Preferred 
• RD, CDN, CN Required  
• Fluent in Spanish
• Related experience required 
• Understanding of trauma 
• Experience working with individuals with significant medical and MH background 
• Experience working with children and youth of diverse backgrounds  
• Previous experience in the social welfare setting a plus  

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement: 

With more than 250 years of combined experience, Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York and St. John’s Residence for Boys have a long-standing history of serving children, youth, adults and families of color. Our mission, vision and values are grounded in elevating the shared humanity of every staff member, community partner and those with whom we engage. We recognize that our DEIB work is continuously evolving as we strive for equity and inclusion for individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, ages, abilities, religions and lived experiences.