Assesses nutritional status of PACE 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. Provides education to other health care professionals as appropriate.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with major studies in food, nutrition, or dietetics.
Minimum of 1 year working with the elderly population required
Minimum of two (2) years clinical nutrition experience preferred
Licensure/Certifications:
Serve Safe Certified preferred
· A “people first” approach in all communication, interactions with colleagues, contractors, and participants and their families. Can communicate clearly and listen well. Shows respect, kindness, and positivity in all communication and interaction.
· Understanding of current concepts and best-practices of nutritional services for the elderly, particularly in home and community-based services, and the interdisciplinary team model.
· Commitment to quality care and services to a frail client population with a focus on continuous improvement and a “do it better” approach.
· Knowledge of and comfort working in the managed care environment including promoting quality indicators and commitment to cost-effective care.
· Commitment to providing services that exceed expectations and an attitude of “doing the right thing” in all situations. Flexibility to changing demands of participants, families, colleagues, and the PACE program and ability to readily adapt to these changes as needed.
· Commitment to support interdisciplinary team relationships and functioning with a focus on collaboration and shared decision-making.
· Able to speak up and give constructive input into IDT discussions and decision making.
· Creativity and innovative mind-set in planning care and problem-solving.
· Curiosity about others’ opinions and perspectives. Willingness to compromise and adapt to attain optimal participant outcomes.
· Comfort with innovative care plan interventions and “thinking outside the box.”
· Tolerance for risk and open-ended situations.
· Understanding of and commitment to self-determination, advocacy, and person-centeredness in the provision of all care and services.
· Familiarity with management information systems and electronic health records
· 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).
· Clear, concise verbal and written communication skills.
· Able to manage time and prioritize tasks.
· Personable, professional interactions skills with others
· Basic computer literacy
Heartland PACE provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
