Dietitian

Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority; Saginaw (MI); On-site; USD 67,325 - 83,929; Full time

Job summary

A community mental health service in Saginaw is seeking a Dietitian to offer professional nutritional advice and support for clients, particularly those with Autism. The role requires creating individualized diet plans, participating in service meetings, and promoting the well-being of consumers. Candidates must have a relevant degree and one year of experience. This position offers both challenges and rewards in a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year experience as a Dietitian.
• Must possess a valid Michigan Driver’s license.
• Licensed registered dietitian.

Responsibilities

• Plan and provide menus for individuals at group homes.
• Evaluate and educate families on Autism Spectrum Diets.
• Develop therapeutic diets based on individual needs.

Skills

Knowledge of human nutrition

Ability to formulate treatment plans

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work in a team

Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder issues

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition or Dietetics

Job description

SCCMHA JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

CLASSIFICATION: Dietitian

Pay Range: $67,325.99 - $83,929.64 annually

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under general supervision of Mental Health Supervisor (Autism and Therapeutic Foster Care Services), performs professional dietitian/nutrition assignments utilizing the methods and techniques through the person centered planning process. Monitors goals, objectives and attends service planning meetings for nutritional care and diet as needed by striving to restore, promote and enhance the well‑being of the consumer served at Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority (SCCMHA). This position will be knowledgeable about and actively support culturally competent recovery based practices; person centered planning as a shared decision making process with the individual, who defines his/her life goals and is assisted in developing a unique path toward those goals; and a trauma informed culture of safety to aid consumer in the recovery process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

1. Plans and provides menus for individuals at group homes, provides recipes and coordination of shopping lists.
2. Evaluate, plan, monitor, and provide education to families who have children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder related to their special diet needs.
3. Adjusts menu cycles for nutritional adequacy, balance, variety, food availability and budgetary control.
4. Instructs residents, families, and support staff in individualized diet therapy, general nutrition principles, meal planning and preparation and the implementation of the treatment plan.
5. Develops and adapts therapeutic and modified diets to meet the needs and wishes of individuals in cooperation with health care staff.
6. Calculates nutritional values and determines serving size, frequency and method of preparation.
7. Maintains records and prepares reports and correspondence related to work.
8. Recommends types and quantities of food to be purchased.
9. Observes food preparation and food service for conformance with prescribed diets and standards for sanitation, palatability, appearance, texture modification and nutritional quality.
10. Acts as the resource on all dietary services and provides training opportunities to staff. May plan and conduct lectures and training programs on dietary needs and related topics to staff, consumers, support person(s) and/or community groups.
11. May participate in the person centered planning meeting if the individual requests.
12. Maintains accurate records regarding services provided on behalf of consumers receiving services at Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority (SCCMHA).
13. Participates in staff meetings to receive current information, guidance and direction from supervisor.
14. Adheres to the mission, vision, core values and operating principles of SCCMHA at all times.

INCIDENTAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

1. Socializes informally with consumer to facilitate friendly, respectful treatment relationship with consumer.
2. Attends meetings, seminars, workshops, and community events related to public mental health mission.
3. Reacts productively to change and handles other essential tasks as assigned.
4. Uses computer hardware and software to perform tasks.
5. Participates in CQI functions.

(The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of personnel so classified.)

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Mental Health Supervisor

Supervises: None

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT:

Works in various locations including both internal and external consumer service programs, residential settings, consumer work sites and community locations which include pressures with time constraints and stress from serving a carrying caseload size. Drives vehicle on regular basis in all kinds of weather. Will have close contact with consumers and/or families who may have communicable disease and be hostile, aggressive and potentially violent.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics or Institution Management Foods and Nutrition, Clinical Dietetics.

Experience: A minimum of one (1) year responsible professional experience (internship will be considered) as a Dietitian with an understanding of developmental disabilities.

Licenses and Credentials: Valid Michigan Driver’s license with a good driving record.

A licensed registered dietitian.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of the principles of human nutrition, diet therapy, menu planning, food service operations including food preparation, sanitation and procurement.
2. Ability to formulate treatment plans and make clinical judgment involving diet therapy.
3. Ability to exercise independent and mature judgment.
4. Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
5. Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
6. Clinical awareness and sensitivity, including belief that individuals with development disabilities and mental illness can be meaningful participants in our community.
7. Knowledge related to special issues surrounding children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including how to assist with food selectivity and stomach and intestinal problems.
8. Ability to instruct others in individualized diet therapy, general nutrition, food selection and preparation.
9. Ability to inspect and evaluate food preparation and service for conformance standards.
10. Ability to maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence.
11. Ability to use tact and diplomacy and relate to individuals from all social, economic and cultural backgrounds.
12. Analytical ability.
13. Ability to handle individuals who may be distributive or potentially violent.
14. Excellent communication skills.

Physical/Mental Requirements:

1. Hearing acuity to converse in person and on telephone.
2. Visual Acuity to observe consumers behavior, read and proofread documents and use CRT.
3. Ability to walk, stand or sit for extended periods of time.
4. Manual dexterity to write and to operate standard office equipment (PC, Keyboard, Copy Machine, Fax Machine, etc.)
5. Ability to lift and carry files and supplies at least 20 pounds.
6. Strong interpersonal skills to interact with leadership, employees, consumers and the general public.
7. Analytical skills necessary to conduct research, analyze, and interpret complex data and identify and solve problems by proposing courses of action.
8. Ability to plan short and long range and to manage and schedule time.
9. Ability to handle stress in meeting deadlines and dealing with large numbers of employees and/or consumers.

(Listed qualifications are for guidance in filling this position. Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered; however, mandatory licensing or certification requirements cannot be waived. Physical/mental requirements cannot be waived unless specifically indicated.)