Dietitian Practice Leader

**Job Description**:

- Duties & Responsibilities:

- Assess new residents on admission and establish a nutrition care plan.
- Determine residents’ level of nutrition risk.
- Review residents’ diet orders.
- Monitor residents at high nutrition risk and those at moderate nutrition risk (as deemed necessary by the RD), quarterly at a minimum.
- Ensure that all other residents (those at low risk and those at moderate risk but considered stable by the RD), are monitored quarterly, at a minimum, by the Food Service Supervisor/Nutrition/Manager (FSS/NM).
- Provide nutrition reassessment/consultation for any resident of the home, as required.
- Complete RAI-MDS documentation, as required, and adhere to RAI-MDS timelines.
- Attend Resident Care Conferences, as time and schedule allow.
- Participate as a member on the Professional Advisory Committee, attend meetings as time and schedule allow.
- Participate in the multidisciplinary resident care team process.
- Provide consultation on resident meal service, as time allows.
- Interpret and reinforce the MOHLTC Regulations for the Nutrition Care and Hydration Programs and for Dietary Services.
- Provide in-service education to staff and volunteers according to identified needs, as time and schedule allow.
- Develop and revise policies and procedures related to nutrition care and dietary services, in cooperation with the FSS/NM, and with Nursing as required (e.g. RD Referral P&P, tube feeding).
- Participate in the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) and Accreditation reviews, as part of the health care team.
- Review and approve residents’ menus for each cycle change.
- Maintain a safe environment for the residents and clients.
- Participates in continuous quality improvement of the department by:

- Gathering and analysing weight stats data and reporting to PAC
- Reviewing satisfaction surveys with respect to food and nutrition related questions
- Participating in meal rounds, and uses observations for further improvement to nutrition/food service care
- Participating in multidisciplinary care conferences to provide feedback and update nutrition care plan in collaboration with family/resident and team.
- Ensure a healthy and safe work environment by taking action to address unsafe conditions and procedures.
- Observes and redirects the activities of Dietary Aides and other Food Services staff to assure continued high quality and efficient service is provided to the residents/clients.
- Fosters team work and positive environment in the Food Services Department.
- Acts as a mentor to the Food Services Manager and Food Services Supervisors in providing nutrition care and ensuring best practice are being followed.
- Acts as a Dietary Practice Leader on nutrition issues for other disciplines in the home.
- Reviews seasonal menus on a regular basis to ensure compliance with MOHLTC Standards.
- Uses supplements responsibly.
- Monitors the use of the restorative feeding aides.
- Attends Gerontology Network Sessions and other professional conferences; adopts Leading/Best Practices and implements them into the Home.
- Monitors Nutritional trends in LTC and introduces new products as appropriate.
- Provides student mentoring and serves as a placement coordinator for colleges and universities.
- Liaises with Dietitians in other organizations for Leading/Best Practice and support.
- Skills & Qualifications:

- Current registration as Registered professional Dietitian with the Ontario College of Dietitians, including a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Food and nutrition, plus;
- One year of approved Dietetic internship or equivalent.
- Minimum 5 years full-time experience in long-term care.
- Maintains professional liability insurance recommended.
- Provides service in a manner that adheres to the professional Code of Ethics and CDO’s Standards of Practice, which respects Resident Rights and the confidentiality of health information according to PHIPA guidelines.
- Must be able to successfully complete criminal background and mental health checks upon hire and as requested thereafter.
- Excellent organizational, observational, interpersonal and communication skills.
- Strong documentation skills.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize.
- Positive and pleasant demeanor.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Able to handle difficult situations in a professional manner.
- Ability to articulate and demonstrate resident safety strategies.
- Ability to interact with seniors including those that are cognitively impaired and their families.
- Works independently as well as within a team.
- Demonstrates skill in managing aggressive behaviour using client centered approach.
- Strong knowledge of computer systems, including Point Click Care, RAI-MDS, SYNERGY.
- Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
- Ability to speak Italian an asset.
- Strong understanding of Italian traditions, customs which related to food and food services.

Time Type:
Full time