Job Purpose

The primary purpose of this role is to conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments for PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) participants, ensuring their dietary needs are thoroughly evaluated and addressed. As an integral member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), this position involves close collaboration with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized plans of care. Additionally, the role requires working directly with participants and their family members to provide personalized nutrition care, support dietary goals, and enhance overall health outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities

· Conducts a comprehensive nutritional assessment on PACE participants upon enrollment and a periodic nutritional review on participants as scheduled.

· Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Maintains regular attendance at, and participation in, interdisciplinary team meetings; collaborates on care planning and nutrition related service allocation decisions.

· Confers with Speech Pathologist as needed.

· Documents nutrition notes in the participant’s electronic medical record.

· Develops and implements the nutrition care plans for high-risk participants including medical therapy recommendations.

· Facilitates and participates in Nutritional Improvement Program (NIP) reviews as scheduled.

· Provides printed nutrition notes on participants for participants residing in residential facilities.

· Develops and implements the nutritional components of member care plans including active participation and development of therapeutic dining programs.

· Responsible for the management of therapeutic diets, including modifications of the general menu to meet individual member needs and physician’s orders.

· Assists in monitoring meals, including intake, diet compliance and tray accuracy.

· Calculates data obtained from food intake records and calorie counts, and makes recommendations for changes to appropriate staff.

· Provides instruction to participants and caregivers regarding dietary regimens and nutritional requirements. This includes home, group home and nursing home visits, when necessary.

· Maintains supplement and bag lunch list for assigned site(s).

· Monitors appropriate supplement use for all participants according to department guidelines.

· Monitors sanitation of food preparation and kitchen area at assigned site(s) through planned and unannounced inspections.

· Assists in the training of dietary and clinical nutrition staff as assigned.

· Participates in and provides in-service education to employees and participants as requested.

· Assists in development of policies and procedures for nutrition services.

· Keeps current with computer documentation training and education.

· Performs other duties/projects and participates on other committees as assigned.

· Maintains continuing education credits required by the American Dietetic Association.

Qualifications

Education:

· Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in food and nutrition or dietetics from an accredited college or university, current American Dietetic Association and State certification required.

· BLS/First Aide certification required.

Experience:

· A minimum total of two years of personal, clinical/internship, and or employment experience providing care or services for adults with disabilities or frail elderly population required.

Skills and Knowledge:

· Working knowledge of physical, mental and social needs of disabled and older adults.

· Effective skills in assessment of nutritional needs of disabled and older adults.

· Effective written and oral communication skills.

· Ability to work with an interdisciplinary team, as well as independently.

· Effective organizational skills.

· Advanced computer skills.

· Demonstrates necessary skills and knowledge as needed for position-specific Competency Assessment Profile

Other:

· Requires physical strength to perform the job.

· Routine travel between PACE sites and in the community required.

· Requires valid driver’s license.

Physical Demands

· Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.

· Ability to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.

· Able to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.

· Able to constantly position yourself to maintain files in file cabinets such as reaching with hands and arms, kneeling, crouching, etc.

· The ability to communicate, detect, converse with, discern, convey, express oneself, and exchange information is crucial for this role.

Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Our center is dedicated to fostering an environment that is inclusive and accessible, welcoming everyone with open arms. We strictly follow the guidelines outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which includes a prohibition on discrimination in employment practices and other terms and conditions of employment. By joining us, you will become part of an organization that cherishes diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in our community and positively influence the lives of those we serve.