Dietitian, Home Health/Primary and Community Care/Urgent Primary Care Centre

Detailed Overview

The Dietitian, provides consultation and nutrition education to Home Health and / or Primary & Community Care, and / or Urgent Primary Care Centre clients and staff;

researches, prepares and provides related resource materials for staff and clients; works collaboratively with all members of the Home Health and / or Primary & Community Care and / or Urgent Primary Care Centre team to ensure that staff and clients have access to the most current, research-based nutrition programs and information.

Responsibilities Provides nutritional assessment and education to Home Health and / or Primary & Community Care clients / families.

This may include home visits to housebound clients and in-reach and / or outreach services. Provides consultation to staff regarding clients who have high risk nutritional needs.

Develops a comprehensive shared patient / client plan, in collaboration with the interprofessional team, primary care provided, client and / or family, other healthcare providers and / or referring clinics;

facilitates and supports the transition of the client care plan to the referring source, primary / community care provider and / or community agencies.

• Discusses clinical findings with client / family, in collaboration with the interprofessional team to develop action plans and set goals directed at clinical needs, self-management, self-care and improved health related quality of life;
• accesses system information and resources to review client data such as medical history, progress notes, consultation reports, lab reports, and incorporates findings into the care plan;

plans, organizes and establishes priorities by using resources effectively and efficiently; responds to unanticipated events and / or changing client or service assignment needs, as needed.

Assesses learning needs and plans, implements and evaluates nutrition education programs which will address needs of Home Health and / or Primary & Community Care staff and clients.

Provides health counseling to clients / families including education, self-management, self-monitoring and wellness / health promotion / prevention through a combination of clinic, telephone or home visits;

collaborates with the other healthcare professionals in the clinics, community programs and services to facilitate the follow of information through a variety of settings within the primary & community care network.

Maintains clinical records such as intake screens, patient / client assessments, clinical interventions, treatment formulations, care plans and progress notes;

maintains statistical information on patient / client in accordance with established policies, standards, and procedures.

Maintains nutrition resources for staff by reviewing, interpreting and evaluating professional literature and a variety of media publications.

Develops innovative methods of disseminating nutrition information to staff in a variety of settings. Liaises with nutrition staff from other agencies to ensure that complex nutrition needs of clients are appropriate and can be safely carried out by Home Health and / or Primary & Community Care staff or caregivers in community settings.

Liaises and refers clients / families and staff to appropriate community resources. Collaborates with other members of the Home Health and / or Primary & Community Care team to provide orientation and information to new staff.

Participates in research activities regarding nutrition and nutrition-related issues in the community setting as required.

Maintains professional practice growth, knowledge and expertise to reflect current standards of practice by reviewing relevant literature, attending educational workshops and in-services, consulting and networking with other health care professionals.

Performs other related job duties as required. Qualifications Education and Experience Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics plus completion of a community nutrition or dietetics internship in an accredited program or one year graduate study in nutrition and dietetics.

Two years of recent related experience in a community or related setting. Current membership with the College of Dietitions of BC and eligibility for membership with the College of Dietitions of Canada.

Valid BC Driver's Licence. Skills and Abilities Demonstrated ability to complete initial and ongoing client assessments and provide care through therapeutic interventions.

Demonstrated ability to integrate and evaluate pertinent data from multiple sources to problem-solve effectively. Knowledge of clinical practice specific to community-based nutrition care for adults.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to deal with others effectively. Ability to promote client-focused care including sensitivity to diverse cultures and preferences.

Ability to independently manage and prioritize clients with diverse cultures and preferences. Ability to operate related equipment.

Ability to conduct needs assessment and to plan, implement and evaluate nutrition education programs.