Summary

Under indirect supervision, assesses nutrition status of normal to high-risk patients and develops appropriate nutrition care regimens considering patient's cultural, social, and economic status. Provides nutrition counseling and education to patients and their families; develops and conducts in-services and nutrition outreach programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Conducts patient nutrition assessments to determine risk and nutrition requirements.
2. Develops nutrition programs for patients and makes recommendations for treatment as required; documents assessment and nutrition plans.
3. Monitors implementation of nutrition plans and follows up in order to assess patient progress and adjust plans as necessary.
4. Participates in overall dietary process as a member of interdisciplinary team; attends patient rounds and team meetings.
5. Educates and counsels patients and families on nutrition issues, either individually or in groups; may develop and conduct outreach programs.
6. Trains students and medical staff; develops training and support materials.
7. May assist in development and preparation of grant proposals; may participate in funded research programs.
8. May certify patients for specific program benefits as required.
9. May lead, guide, and train staff/student employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work; may participate in the recruitment of volunteers, as appropriate to the area of operation.
10. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations.
11. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or an equivalent field; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certification/Licensure State of NM Licensed Dietitian (LD) or Licensed Nutritionist (LN) or ADA Registered Dietician (RD); Registered Dietician (RD).
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of theory and practice of clinical nutrition and dietetics.
• Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of expertise.
• Ability to observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress.
• Ability to analyze and assess patient nutrition deficiencies and requirements.
• Ability to evaluate the progress of therapeutic programs and to make individual modifications.
• Ability to plan and coordinate nutrition programs for patients.
• Ability to work and interact with patient care professionals as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.
• Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) provision of nutritional counseling and advice to medical staff, other care givers, and students; b) development and evaluation of nutritional programs, and participation in the establishment of nutrition protocols and procedures; c) review and assessment of nutritional treatment plans and development of modifications; d) conducting patient nutrition assessments and administering treatment plans to high-risk patients; e) development and delivery of in-services and outreach programs.

Conditions of Employment

• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Subject to credentialing process; must maintain credentialed status.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No or very limited physical effort required.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 12/02/2019