Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Park Nicollet Health Services; Saint Louis Park (MN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Park Nicollet Health Services in Minnesota seeks a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (DCES). The DCES is a Registered Nurse or Registered Dietitian with advanced diabetes care knowledge, providing education, support, and direct patient care across the lifespan to help individuals reach personalized nutrition and treatment goals.

Responsibilities include promoting self-management, collaborating with managing clinicians, and delivering evidence-based education in ambulatory settings, aligned

Qualifications

• RN or RD with diabetes care expertise and education experience.
• Must hold active RN license in MN or WI or both, and active Dietetic license.
• Must be CDCES or able to obtain within 24 months; BLS certification required.

Responsibilities

• Provide diabetes care and education across the lifespan.
• Promote self-management and improve health outcomes through education.
• Collaborate with managing clinicians to deliver integrated, person-centered care.

Skills

Effective Communication

Clinical Judgment

Patient-Centered Service

Education & Engagement

Organization & Resilience

Technology Proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in nursing or nutrition and/or Dietetics with 2 years of prior experience in diabetes care and education

Associate’s degree in nursing with 4 years of prior experience in diabetes care and education

Tools

EMR systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Park Nicollet is looking to hire a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist to join our team! Come join us as a Partner for Good and help us make an impact on the care and experience that our patients and their families receive every day.

Job Description

The Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (DCES) is a Registered Nurse or Registered Dietitian with advanced knowledge in diabetes care, including nutrition interventions. The DCES provides direct care, education, and support across the lifespan, helping individuals with diabetes reach personalized goals related to nutrition, behavior, and treatment.

Using evidence-based strategies and collaborative care planning, the DCES promotes self-management, reduces risks, and improves health outcomes. As a key member of the care team, the DCES demonstrates professionalism, flexibility, and strong interpersonal skills, while maintaining patient confidentiality and rights. The DCES works closely with managing clinicians to deliver integrated, person-centered care and serves as a resource for the broader care team.

The DCES follows a structured approach to care—assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating—in alignment with the RN scope of practice or the Scope and Standards of Practice for Credentialed Dietetic Professionals, as well as HealthPartners protocols. Diabetes education programs in ambulatory settings must also meet standards set by our accrediting organization.

Position Summary

All team members support the mission, vision, and values of HealthPartners and follow all organizational policies and procedures.

Work Schedule

As needed for Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 2:30pm, 3-5 days per month on average

Required Qualifications

• Dietetic registration (RDN) through Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
• Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination:
  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing or nutrition and/or Dietetics with 2 years of prior experience in diabetes care and education
  • or
  • Associate’s degree in nursing with 4 years of prior experience in diabetes care and education.
• Licensure / Registration / Certification:
  • Current Registered Nurse license in either the state of Minnesota or Wisconsin upon hire. Must provide proof of application for alternate state license prior to start and obtain the second license within 30 days of hire. Both Minnesota and Wisconsin RN license must be maintained.
  • Current Dietetic License for either the state of Minnesota or Wisconsin upon hire. Must provide proof of license application in alternate state prior to start and obtain the second license within 90 days of hire. Both Minnesota and Wisconsin license must be maintained.
• Current national certification as a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist (CDCES) or ability to become certified within 24 months of hire.
• Current BLS certification for health professionals through the American Heart Association or Red Cross required and maintained. On-line BLS certification is not acceptable.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Effective Communication: Strong verbal and written skills; able to uphold clinical standards and professional ethics per the Nurse Practice Act or Scope and Standards for Credentialed Dietetic Professionals.
  • Clinical Judgment: Demonstrates critical thinking, sound decision-making, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
  • Patient-Centered Service: Provides compassionate, professional care with tact and diplomacy in interactions with patients, families, and clinic staff.
  • Education & Engagement: Assesses patient education needs and communicates relevant information clearly to patients, families, and care teams.
  • Organization & Resilience: Skilled in planning, prioritizing, and completing tasks efficiently while remaining calm and focused under pressure.
  • Technology Proficiency: Proficient in electronic medical records and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel); strong keyboarding skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination:
  • 4 years of prior experience in diabetes care and education is preferred.
• Licensure / Registration / Certification:
  • Professional association membership in American Diabetes Association (ADA) and/or Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES).
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Familiar with Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES), The ADCES7 Self Care Behaviors, and the ADA Standards of Care.

About Us

At HealthPartners we believe in the power of good – good deeds and good people working together. As part of our team, you’ll find an inclusive environment that encourages new ways of thinking, celebrates differences, and recognizes hard work.

We’re a nonprofit, integrated health care organization, providing health insurance in six states and high-quality care at more than 90 locations, including hospitals and clinics in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We bring together research and education through HealthPartners Institute, training medical professionals across the region and conducting innovative research that improve lives around the world.

At HealthPartners, everyone is welcome, included and valued. We’re working together to increase diversity and inclusion in our workplace, advance health equity in care and coverage, and partner with the community as advocates for change.

Benefits Designed To Support Your Total Health

As a HealthPartners colleague, we’re committed to nurturing your diverse talents, valuing your dedication, and supporting you work-life balance. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to support every aspect of your life, including health, time off, retirement planning, and continuous learning opportunities. Our goal is to help you thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially, so you can continue delivering exceptional care.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identify, status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.