NUTRITIONIST

Franklin Primary Health Center; Franklin (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare facility in Franklin, Tennessee is seeking a Nutritionist to provide nutritional counseling and education focused on health promotion. The role includes developing individualized care plans, collaborating with healthcare providers, and maintaining Registered Dietitian status. Ideal candidates have an advanced degree in nutrition and strong communication skills. Responsibilities also include delivering programs and monitoring patient outcomes in compliance with health regulations.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited program in nutrition.
• Registered Dietitian or equivalent experience.
• Strong communication and counseling skills.

Responsibilities

• Provides nutritional counseling and education to patients.
• Develops individualized nutrition care plans.
• Collaborates with healthcare providers on patient management.
• Maintains RD status and fulfills education requirements.

Skills

Nutritional counseling

Communication skills

Nutritional education program planning

Education

Advanced degree in nutrition or related field

Registered Dietitian licensure

Tools

Patient management software

Job description

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Healthcare Quality, the Nutritionist provides nutritional counseling and education to individuals and groups to promote health and prevent disease. This role evaluates patient needs, develops individualized nutrition care plans, and supports patients and families in achieving optimal health outcomes.

Essential Functions

• Provides individual nutritional counseling based on clinician referrals as part of the patient’s treatment plan.
• Provides group nutritional counseling for patients requiring ongoing dietary management.
• Develops and implements nutrition programs and services based on patient needs.
• Serves as a consultant to healthcare clinicians regarding prevention and treatment of nutrition-related conditions.
• Collaborates with physicians in the management of patients with diabetes and other chronic conditions.
• Develops and maintains educational materials on nutritional topics for patients, staff, and students.
• Provides in-service education to clinical staff on nutrition-related topics.
• Delivers medical nutrition therapy aligned with patient care goals.
• Evaluates, monitors, and documents nutritional status for inpatient and outpatient populations.
• Provides culturally appropriate and age-specific nutrition counseling.
• Develops, reviews, and updates educational materials for patients and professionals.
• Functions as an integral member of the interdisciplinary care team.
• Maintains Registered Dietitian (RD) status and fulfills continuing education requirements.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Customer Satisfaction Requirements

• Provides exceptional customer service to patients, visitors, volunteers, and staff.
• Assists in resolving customer concerns and coordinating with other departments.
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
• Promotes a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.
• Demonstrates professionalism in appearance and communication.
• Engages patients in decisions affecting their care.
• Follows through on commitments in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to service excellence.

Health and Safety Requirements

• Adheres to all safety regulations, personnel policies, and procedures.
• Completes annual Safety and Hazard Communication training.
• Maintains knowledge of OSHA and CLIA standards to ensure compliance.
• Maintains required health records, including TB testing and hepatitis immunization.

Privacy Rule Compliance Requirements

• Adheres to HIPAA Privacy Rule policies and procedures.
• Completes required privacy training annually or as updated.
• Protects patient medical information in compliance with regulations.
• Maintains patient records in accordance with national standards.
• Ensures appropriate security of patient records.

Protected Health Information (PHI) Access

This position is classified as a Primary Provider and is granted unrestricted access to PHI as necessary for patient care, in accordance with privacy policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Graduate of an accredited college or university with an advanced degree in nutrition or a related field, or a bachelor’s degree in nutrition with Registered Dietitian licensure. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of nutritional care principles and counseling practices.
• Ability to plan and implement nutrition education programs.
• Ability to assess nutritional needs and develop appropriate interventions.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with patients and staff.

Certification, Licenses, and Registrations

• CPR Certification

Other Qualifications

• English proficiency required; bilingual or bicultural candidates preferred.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and exercise sound judgment.
• Requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, and driving.
• Ability to lift and assist patients as needed.
• Requires visual acuity for close work and focus adjustment.