Summary

Under direct supervision, provides basic nutrition education to patients and their families; certifies patients for specific public health program benefits. Performs a range of administrative functions required to ensure efficient program operation.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Evaluates and assesses nutrition status of patients, and screens patients for nutritional risk in accordance with established department protocols and standards.
2. Plans and initiates medical nutrition therapy to patients if indicated by patient requirements and clinical protocol.
3. Certifies patients for specific program benefits.
4. Educates and counsels patients and families on nutritional issues, either individually or in groups.
5. Communicates individual nutritional care plans to other health care providers as a member of a health care team.
6. Monitors store participation; identifies and resolves problems between stores and patients.
7. Orders and maintains inventory of program supplies, including patient checks, for all clinics.
8. Performs various administrative duties related to public health nutrition programs.
9. Maintains professional growth and development through completion of required departmental competencies.
10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or an equivalent field; at least 1 year 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).
• 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

• Ability to develop and deliver presentations.
• Ability to effectively communicate medical information, test results, diagnoses and/or proposed treatment in a manner easily understood by the client.
• Knowledge of clinical nutrition theory and practice.
• Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control.
• Knowledge of sponsored nutritional programs and patient certification requirements.
• Ability to draw conclusions and make recommendations based on research data and findings.
• Ability to resolve interpersonal problems, disputes and issues.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) evaluation and screening of the nutritional status of patients in accordance with established protocol; b) planning and implementation of nutrition therapy to patients; c) individual and/or group nutrition education and counseling; d) monitoring and administering nutritional program supplies, facilities, and processes; e) participating as part of a health care team.

Conditions of Employment

• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• May be subject to credentialing process; must maintain credentialed status, if applicable.
• Must maintain certification status.

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: 12/01/2019