Dietetic & Nutrition Specialist III

Texas Health and Human Services; Terrell (TX); On-site; USD 35,574 - 43,309; Part time

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services is looking for a Dietetic & Nutrition Specialist III in Terrell, Texas. In this role, you will provide advanced nutrition services and lead the Nutrition Services department at a psychiatric care facility.

Your responsibilities include overseeing operations, developing policies, and supervising clinical nutrition staff. The position requires a bachelor's degree in dietetics, current registration as a dietitian, and experience in a supervisory role.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in dietetics or related field.
• At least 24 months working as a dietitian or nutrition professional in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Preferred: 12 months experience at a facility serving individuals with psychiatric or intellectual developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations and administrative functions of the nutrition department.
• Develop, monitor, and revise departmental policies and procedures.
• Plan, direct, and monitor nutrition programs to ensure compliance with regulations and professional standards.
• Prepare and present reports on patient meal satisfaction and performance improvement plans.
• Supervise and manage staff, including hiring, training, and performance evaluation.

Skills

Food systems management

Medical nutrition therapy

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Communication

Counseling

Education

Bachelor's degree in dietetics or related field

Current registration as a Dietitian (R.D or R.D.N.)

Licensure as a Dietitian (L.D.)

Job description

Job Overview

Functional Title: Dietetic & Nutrition Specialist III
Job Title: Dietetic & Nutrition Spec III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Dietician/Nutritionist
Posting Number: 18284
Closing Date: 09/22/2026
Salary Range: $3,187.70 - $3,880.75 per month
Pay Frequency: Monthly

Location & Working Conditions

Facility Location: Terrell Center for Youth, 1200 E BRIN, TERRELL, TX
Shift: Day (First)
Telework: Not Eligible
Travel: Up to 10%
Full Time/Part Time: Part time
FLSA: Non‑exempt

Brief Job Description

As a senior clinical dietitian, you will provide advanced nutrition services and serve as director of the Nutrition Services department in a state‑operated psychiatric care facility. Your role includes collaborating with leadership teams, administering quality‑assurance monitoring, presenting reports to the Leadership Team and other committees, and developing policies and procedures that meet regulatory standards. You will supervise clinical nutrition staff, provide medical nutrition therapy, and lead interdisciplinary recovery teams. Additional duties may involve disaster response and continuity of operations activities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee operations and administrative functions of the nutrition department.
• Develop, monitor, and revise departmental policies and procedures.
• Plan, direct, and monitor nutrition programs to ensure compliance with regulations and professional standards.
• Prepare and present reports on patient meal satisfaction and performance improvement plans.
• Act as liaison with Food Services Team, approving menu changes and ensuring nutritional standards are met.
• Participate in hospital leadership teams, infection control, and other committees.
• Provide medical nutrition therapy, evaluate nutritional status, and develop care plans.
• Supervise and manage staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and scheduling.
• Develop and deliver educational programs and in‑service training on nutrition principles.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, including disaster response or COOP activation.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Attend work on a regular basis, with flexibility for shift changes and overtime as needed.
• Perform administrative operations and oversee department functions.
• Consult and liaise with Food Services, approving menu changes and ensuring compliance.
• Participate in quality‑management activities and hospital committees.
• Deliver medical nutrition therapy to patients and document care plans in the medical record.
• Supervise, recruit, and develop staff, ensuring competence and efficient care.
• Develop education materials and counsel consumers, staff, and families on nutrition principles.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, including disaster response or COOP activation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of food systems management, nutrition, food science, and therapeutic diets.
• Knowledge of federal program evaluation requirements and drug‑nutrient interactions.
• Skills in providing nutrition care, medical nutrition therapy, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Skills in communication, interviewing, counseling, and evaluating interventions.
• Ability to use computer hardware and software for electronic recordkeeping.
• Ability to develop, evaluate, and implement nutrition service plans and educational materials.
• Ability to interpret regulations, policies, and procedures, and to work effectively with diverse teams.

Registrations, Licensure, and Certifications

Current registration as a Dietitian (R.D or R.D.N.) with the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; licensure as a Dietitian (L.D.) with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Dietitians.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major coursework in dietetics or related field.
• At least 24 months working as a dietitian or nutrition professional in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Preferred: 12 months experience at a facility serving individuals with psychiatric or intellectual developmental disabilities.

Legal & Compliance Requirements

• Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, and LEIE).
• All applicants must be at least 18 years of age; applicants for Terrell Center for Youth must be 21 years of age.
• Applicants must comply with HHSC immunization policy and may need to wear a mask if not vaccinated for influenza.
• Applicants may be required to work overtime and extended hours.

Telework Statement

This position may be eligible for telework. All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.