Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

POSITION SUMMARY:  

Working out of our Oakland office, the Registered Dietitian (RD) works in the Nutrition Services Department to provide nutritional assessment, counseling and education to Project Open Hand clients living with critical and chronic illnesses. The Nutrition Services Department is an integral part of Statewide MediCal Medically Tailored Meal Pilot Program that includes the application of Medical Nutrition Therapy via in person, home and telephonic visits to some of the most vulnerable in our communities. The RD develops educational materials and curricula, participates in research projects, assesses the needs of the client community, and adapts programming and medically tailored meals as needed to meet the unique challenges faced by Project Open Hand clients.  

This position is ideal for a compassionate, professional dietitian who would like to help continually improve programs that help sustain our clients as they battle serious illnesses, food insecurity, isolation, or the health challenges of aging. This position requires a level of comfort in the community nutrition environment with emphasis on education. 

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: 

• Registered Dietitian / Registered Dietitian Nutritionist 

• Knowledge of food service and quality control 

• Proficient in nutrition software programs, Computrition preferred 

• Experience providing staff training / education 

• Ability to work Saturdays and occasional evenings 

QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED: 

• 1 year of community nutrition-based work experience 

• Experience working with people living with AIDS/HIV and other critical and chronic diseases 

• Experience developing and executing community-based nutrition education classes 

• Cooking, recipe and food preparation experience and comfort teaching basic kitchen skills 

• Experience working with vulnerable populations  

• Ability to apply strong clinical skills in a community-based setting 

• Language skills in Spanish and/or Cantonese a plus 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Assists in the development, review, and approval of nutrition guidelines based on agency strategic goals and program contract specifications 

• Participates in intake of new clients, conducting nutritional assessment, nutritional screens and individualized nutrition counseling for clients in office or by phone for Wellness Programs 

• Conducts home visits for nutritional assessment and education for participants in Alameda County 

• Develops and conducts nutrition education and cooking classes and/or support groups for client groups including HIV, Breast Cancer and Diabetes  

• Provides staff training and education on nutrition, food safety and sanitation as needed 

• Monitors food quality and sanitation practices of on-site food distribution 

• Maintains all necessary documentation for grant, research and contract reporting as needed 

• Participates as a preceptor for dietetic interns  

• Other duties as assigned 

JOB COMPETENCIES:  

• Team player: Demonstrates cooperative spirit, respects professional boundaries and is successful at sharing responsibilities with others 

• Self-led: Knows and completes responsibilities in assigned timelines, asks for clarifications when needed 

• Sensitive to the circumstances and needs of the critically ill and seniors, as well as people with mental health and substance abuse issues 

• Customer oriented: Works well with all customers (internal staff and external contacts), promotes a positive image of the agency and works diligently to resolve customer issues 

• Poised: able to maintain a calm, positive and constructive attitude during interactions with diverse populations, sometimes in challenging situations 

• Ethical: Honest, accountable, maintains confidentiality 

• Decisive: Thoughtful when considering options, seeks input from others, makes difficult decisions when necessary 

• Knowledgeable: Understands facets of job, keeps job knowledge current 

• Well organized: Information organized and accessible, maintains efficient work space, manages time well 

• Technical savvy: Skilled with computers, proficient with function appropriate technology, learns quickly, uses technology to enhance job performance with the interest and ability to learn new technology 

• Leadership I: Completes all assigned tasks in a timely manner and is able to identify projects or work needed for future completion. Anticipates needs before they are assigned. Recognizes themselves as a departmental or function representative 

• Professional Communicator: Excellent public speaking, written and verbal communication skills 

• Problem solver: Strong analytical skills and able to creatively address and solve problems 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions 

Physical demands: While performing duties of job, incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds unassisted. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus 

Work environment: The noise level in the work environment varies from moderate to loud. The work environment will be ever changing with new clients, volunteers and staff members all sharing space and working together in the Grocery Center