Diabetes Dietitian

**Jane-Finch Family Health Team**

Job Position**: Registered Dietitian for Clinical Diabetes Program, 1.0 FTE**

Annual Salary**: $73,000 - approximately per MOH - FHT Contract**

Benefits**: Available**

**General Description**

The registered dietitian will plan and direct the nutritional care of diabetic clients and provide nutrition education to the staff within the Jane-Finch Family Health Team.

The registered dietitian will manage the clinical diabetes nutrition program within the Jane-Finch Family Health Team.

The RD will work collaboratively with other members of the diabetic team, which include Physicians, Nurses, Pharmacists and Social Workers.

**Roles and Responsibilities**

Assess client nutritional status by gaining an understanding of food habits or preferences (socio-economic, psychosocial and cultural background) and clinical/biochemical profile.

Assist clients in making healthy food choices by developing nutritional care plans incorporating all the above factors in oral and written form.

Monitor client progress on a regular basis and provide nutritional information to allied staff and physicians, as well as provide the needed ongoing supports and evaluative outcomes.

Assist in the management of gestational diabetics, by providing individual and more intensive care, and ensuring continuity and integration with hospital based resources as well as within the FHT peri-natal program.

Develop or locate nutrition education resources and teaching aids.

Provide consultation and education of FHT staff, acting as a resource person.

Organize and facilitate group educational classes and other educational experiences such as ‘shop with your dietician’ alone or with other staff of the FHT as indicated.

Review appropriate level of exercise and physical activity within scope of practice to enhance nutritional advice.

If required, supervise volunteers, peer support workers and students working on nutrition projects.

Assesses community nutrition needs: develop, implement and evaluate community-based nutrition programs for diabetes.

The RD will network with local and/or regional dietitians to assist in quality improvement planning of the program.

Complete quarterly and annual reports to the Ministry of Health based on requirements.

Record all patient interaction in Electronic Medical record.

Participate in studies or data gathering as requested by Executive Director or Physician lead.

Complete all required documentation and reports for Ministry of Health and other agency as requested Executive Director or physician lead.

Develop and implement other programs as needed.

Adjust to recommendations and job related responsibilities as requested by the Executive Director or Physician lead.

**Qualifications**

**Education**: Completion of Dietitians of Canada Accredited Undergraduate Program in Nutrition or Food Science, plus Supervised Dietitians of Canada Accredited Internship or Practicum Programs.

Have Clinical Diabetes Educator (CDE) designation or be willing to sit exam within 6 months of taking position

**Experience**: Must have experience in group facilitation, diabetes, lipid and weight management and the ability to practice independently. **Two to three years of strong clinical experience is desirable but not a requirement.**

**Degree, Licensure, and/or Certification**: Must be a member in good standing with the College of Dietitians of Ontario, Dietitians of Canada and hold professional liability insurance and provide proof of such upon hiring.

**Professional Development**

a) Maintain and develop professional competence through ongoing professional development. Fully participates in the Quality Assurance Program of College of Dieticians of Ontario.

b) Stays current and aware of opportunities to implement new, evidenced
- based methods of patient assessment and treatment.

c) Participate in self-directed learning to ensure that his/her practice remains relevant by attending professional conferences, e-learning and journal reviews.

d) Participates on interdisciplinary committees to promote professional/interpersonal development as requested.

e) Participates in clinical projects/studies as required.

**Knowledge, Skills and Abilities**

Must have **knowledge** of: Requirements of the College of Dietitians of Ontario, privacy legislation, Regulated Health Professional Act 1991, Scope of Practice as per The Dietetics Act 1991.

Must have **skills** in: assessment, planning, communication, evaluation, computer skills, group facilitation and expertise in developing and maintaining excellent working relationships with a broad range of individuals and organizations.

Knowledge and proficiency in current, evidence-based methods and practices of primary care delivery, with an emphasis on health promotion and risk reduction

Required **abilities** include: time management, flexibility, and ability to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.

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