Senior Registered Dietitian - Clinical & Community Nutrition

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Flexible hybrid work model

Lead community health initiatives

Professional development opportunities

Healthcare benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Registered Dietitian to join a prominent healthcare provider in Upington, Northern Cape. The role blends clinical nutrition with community health, delivering medical nutrition therapy, counseling patients, and leading education initiatives.

You will supervise interns, develop community nutrition programs, and collaborate with clinicians to improve patient outcomes. HPCSA registration and 6+ years of relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• Degree in Dietetics or Nutrition from an accredited university.
• Registration as a Professional Dietitian with the HPCSA or equivalent.
• Minimum 6 years of professional experience as a Registered Dietitian in clinical and community settings.
• Experience designing, implementing and evaluating community nutrition programs.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments for patients with acute and chronic diseases.
• Develop and implement medical nutrition therapy (MNT) plans and therapeutic diets.
• Provide nutrition counseling to patients and families.
• Design and deliver nutrition education programs for schools, community centers and clinics.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure integrated care.
• Supervise dietetic interns or junior dietitians and contribute to program evaluation.

Skills

Medical Nutrition Therapy

Public speaking

Program development

Interpersonal skills

Clinical nutrition

Community health

Education

Degree in Dietetics or Nutrition

HPCSA registration

Tools

Electronic Health Records

Nutrition analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent healthcare provider operating across clinical facilities and community outreach programs in Upington, Northern Cape, is seeking a Senior Registered Dietitian specializing in both clinical nutrition and community health. This multifaceted role involves providing expert dietary counseling to patients with various medical conditions, developing and implementing nutrition education programs for diverse community groups, and potentially supervising junior dietitians. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of medical nutrition therapy, excellent public speaking and program development skills, and a deep commitment to improving health outcomes through evidence-based nutrition interventions. This is an exciting opportunity to make a substantial contribution to health and wellness in the Northern Cape, working with a dynamic team dedicated to patient and community well-being. We aim to deliver accessible, high-quality nutritional guidance and support. Your leadership in developing and delivering these services will be crucial to our success and the positive impact we have on individuals and the wider community. We foster a culture of continuous learning and professional excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments for patients with acute and chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, gastrointestinal disorders).
• Develop and implement individualized medical nutrition therapy (MNT) plans, including therapeutic diets and nutrient recommendations.
• Provide nutrition counseling and education to patients and their families, empowering them to make healthier food choices.
• Design, coordinate, and deliver engaging nutrition education programs and workshops for various community settings (schools, community centers, health clinics).
• Develop culturally appropriate nutrition materials and resources for diverse populations.
• Monitor patient progress, evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition interventions, and adjust care plans as needed.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure integrated patient care.
• Stay current with the latest research and evidence-based guidelines in clinical nutrition, public health, and community nutrition.
• Supervise and mentor dietetic interns, junior dietitians, or community health workers involved in nutrition programs.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives and program evaluation within the nutrition services department.

Requirements

• Degree in Dietetics or Nutrition from an accredited university.
• Registration as a Professional Dietitian with the relevant South African professional body (e.g., Health Professions Council of South Africa - HPCSA).
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience as a Registered Dietitian, with significant experience in both clinical settings and community nutrition/public health.
• Proven ability to conduct medical nutrition therapy and manage complex nutritional cases.
• Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating community-based nutrition programs.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of public health principles and health promotion strategies.
• Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Proficiency in using electronic health records and nutritional analysis software.
• Commitment to professional development and evidence-based practice.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting experience and dual specialization.
• Flexible hybrid work model, enabling both clinic-based consultations and community outreach activities in Upington, Northern Cape.
• Opportunity to lead impactful community health initiatives.
• Access to professional development and continuing education opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative healthcare team environment.
• Contribution to improving the nutritional well-being of the community.
• Standard healthcare benefits and paid time off.