Clinical Dietitian II

UNC Health; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 39,950 - 57,859; Full time

Job summary

UNC Health is seeking a Clinical Dietitian II to collaborate with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to deliver evidence-based medical nutrition therapy aligned with patient-focused goals. You will apply the Nutrition Care Process (NCP), conduct nutrition assessment and diagnosis, implement interventions, and monitor patient progress.

This role supports compliance and quality initiatives, mentors interns and clinical dietitians, and helps develop policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college with ACEND-approved coursework.
• Master’s in a related Dietitian field for new graduates becoming licensed after 1/1/2024.
• Completion of a Coordinated Program in Dietetics or Dietitian Internship accredited by ACEND.

Responsibilities

• Assess nutritional needs using standardized practice and clinical judgment for assigned patients.
• Act as a liaison between medical specialties and ancillary services.
• Support compliance with Joint Commission, CMS, HFAP and accrediting standards.
• Attend rounds and quality improvement meetings; participate in discharge planning and education.
• Develop and monitor nutrition care plans; mentor interns and supervise staff when needed.
• Document nutrition care in medical records and train others on evidence-based protocols.
• Lead the creation of clinical practice protocols and support professional development.
• Participate in clinical research or QI projects and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Nutrition Care Process

Medical nutrition therapy

Motivational Interviewing

Critical thinking

Decision making

Communication

Independent practice

Counseling

Nutrient analysis

Word processing

Spreadsheet skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree with ACEND endorsement

Master’s in related Dietitian field (new grads)

ACEND Coordinated Program or Dietitian Internship (≥900 hours)

Job description

Overview

Your passion belongs at UNC Health. Join more than 56,000 teammates working together to improve the health and well‑being of the communities we serve across North Carolina.

Summary

The Clinical Dietitian II works closely with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to coordinate evidence‑based medical nutrition therapy that is integrated and compatible with patient‑focused medical goals. Primary responsibilities include application of the Nutrition Care Process (NCP), nutrition assessment, diagnosis, interventions, monitoring, and evaluation of the patient’s progress. The Dietitian uses practice‑specific protocols and evidence‑based guidelines to determine nutrition interventions, manages resources cost‑effectively, and participates in compliance and quality improvement efforts. They serve as a resource on nutrition management, provide in‑services, develop policies, and may be involved in community nutrition programs. The Dietitian precepts interns and supports clinical dietitians in core responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Assess nutritional needs using standardized practice and critical thinking, identifying nutrient requirements by age, disease, and individual needs for assigned patients.
• Act as a resource person for the clinical team and serve as a liaison between medical specialties and ancillary services.
• Assist in achieving compliance with the Joint Commission, CMS, HFAP, and other accrediting agency standards to improve safety, quality, and performance.
• Attend medical rounds, patient care conferences, and continuing education/staff meetings; participate in quality improvement initiatives and cross‑training.
• Develop, implement, and monitor nutrition care plans and participate in discharge planning; provide education using behavioral change techniques.
• Lead, direct, and manage the work assigned to others within the department; document all aspects of nutrition care in the medical record and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
• Create and update evidence‑based protocols in the area of clinical practice and train others to ensure current, guideline‑based practice.
• Identify needs for professional development, mentor others, and act as a preceptor for clinical nutrition interns.
• Participate in clinical research, on‑the‑job training, or QI projects; lead efforts to improve quality outcomes and serve on cross‑functional quality teams.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college with coursework accredited or approved by the ACEND.
• Master’s in a related Dietitian field for new graduates becoming licensed after 1/1/2024.
• Completion of a Coordinated Program in Dietetics or Dietitian Internship accredited by ACEND of no less than 900 hours (1200 hours for graduates of programs beginning 2012).

Licensure/Certification Requirements

• Registered Dietitian (RD) by the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR).
• Licensed as a Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN) by the North Carolina Board of Dietetics and Nutrition (some positions allow licensure to be obtained within one month from hire).
• If less than five years of experience, certification in a clinical specialty (e.g., CDCES, CNSC, CNSD, CSR, CSP, CSSD, CSGN, CLE, BCLE) or advanced degree; some positions allow certification within six months from hire.
• Some positions require appropriate credentialing for billing (e.g., NPI, Medicare/Medicaid Provider, BCBSNC Provider) within one month from hire.
• Maintenance of certification (e.g., CDCES) may be required for billing purposes.

Professional Experience Requirements

• Three years as an RD with two of those years in a clinical specialty or three years nutrition experience in a tertiary care, teaching hospital and certification in a specialty area. Alternatively, five years of experience as an RD, maintaining certification until at least five years of experience (or longer if required for certain positions).

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Requirements

• Knowledge of the Nutrition Care Process and ability to apply all steps.
• Comprehensive knowledge and application of medical nutrition therapy.
• Understanding and implementation of Motivational Interviewing.
• Critical thinking to integrate facts, informed opinion, active listening, and observations.
• Decision making, problem solving, and collaboration.
• Effective communication in written and verbal forms with patients, the public, hospital staff, and physicians.
• Independent functionality on assigned patient care units.
• Ability to counsel and educate others.
• General knowledge of nutrient analysis, word processing, and spreadsheet software.

Job Details

Legal Employer: STATE

Entity: UNC Faculty Physicians

Organization Unit: FP Family Medicine Campus Health Passthrough

Work Type: Full Time

Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00

Salary Range: $28.87 - $41.50 per hour (Hiring Range)

Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity

Work Assignment Type: Onsite

Work Schedule: Day Job

Location of Job: US:NC:Chapel Hill

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: Yes

This is a State position employed by UNC Health Care System with UNC Health benefits. If, however, you are presently an employee of another North Carolina agency and currently participate in TSERS or the ORP, you will be eligible to continue participating in those plans at UNC Health.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.

UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email [e-mail] if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.