Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

HealthPartners; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

HealthPartners is seeking a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, welcoming RNs and RDNs with diabetes care and education experience. 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing or nutrition and/or Dietetics with 2 years of diabetes care and education experience.
• Current RN license in Minnesota or Wisconsin; license maintained.
• Dietetic registration (RDN) or current Minnesota/Wisconsin Dietetic license.
• CDCES certification or eligibility within 24 months of hire.
• Current BLS certification for health professionals.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide diabetes care and education across the lifespan with evidence-based strategies.
• Support individualized goals related to nutrition, behavior, and treatment.
• Collaborate with clinicians to deliver integrated, person-centered care while maintaining confidentiality.

Skills

Effective communication

Clinical judgment

Patient-centered care

Education & engagement

Organization & resilience

Tech proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in nursing or nutrition and/or Dietetics

Associate’s degree in nursing

Job description

Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

We are seeking a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and welcome applications from both Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) with experience in diabetes care and education. Our team includes both RNs and RDNs serving in the same DCES role. This diversity of backgrounds strengthens our team and enhances the care and education we provide. We are committed to considering qualified candidates from either background.

Position Summary:

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

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.

Work Schedule:

Monday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm

Required Qualifications:

• 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.
  • Dietetic registration (RDN) through Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

  • 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.

    OR

  • 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.