Job Information
Houston Methodist Sr. Weight Management Dietetic Specialist (Part-Time) - West in Houston, Texas
At Houston Methodist, the Sr Weight Management Dietetic Specialist position is an experienced clinician functioning at the requirements established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). This position will assess the client's nutritional status using recognized tools of assessment and recommend and instruct clients on the appropriate nutrition plan per the assessment and develops specific patient education content materials for the department and teaches advanced topics for weight management (i.e., healthy cooking classes, home gardening for health, grocery store tours, health behavior change etc.). The Sr. Weight Management Dietetic Specialist position participates in department and quality improvement projects. This position has mastered all functions of the Weight Management Dietetic Specialist role and will serve as a mentor to those peers. The Sr. Weight Management Dietetic Specialist position plans and implements professional nutrition presentations as well as actively participate in planning, instruction, and evaluation of the nutrition component of Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery programs and services. This position participates in department and quality improvement projects.
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Serves in a support and mentor capacity to the Weight Mgmt. Dietetic Specialist while serving in a preceptor role for the department. Creates and maintains all department training resources, e.g. training checklist, dietitian training manual, etc. Acts as a resource person for all nutrition inquiries and provides peer coaching while upholding Houston Methodist and industry standards of professional ethics.
Creates customized diabetes curriculum and independently trains patients on all aspects of Diabetes Self-Management using therapeutic communication, which includes active listening and teaching; supports Weight Management Dietetic Specialist in mastering DM Self-Management.
Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards improvement of department score for employee engagement.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Proficiently provides care and assesses patients with complex nutritional needs and comorbidities using recognized tools of assessment.
Develops specific patient education content materials for the department and teaches advanced topics for weight management (i.e. healthy cooking classes, home gardening for health, grocery store tours, health behavior change etc.).
Assesses the nutrition content of department programming and adjusts offerings based on center needs, new research, and conflicting social determinants of diet. Corresponds with other interprofessional regarding nutrition care plan as necessary with particular emphasis on behavioral components of eating.
Initiates improvements towards department score for patient satisfaction, through peer-to-peer accountability to service standards.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Monitors and reassesses clients against initial assessment and sets goals. Documents individual outcomes, program data, goals, achievements and results accurately.
Identifies areas of practice improvements with research-based evidence and assists in development of treatment protocols and best practice to achieve patient safety outcomes, supported by accurate documentation. Tracks and trends metrics related to patient outcomes and center programs.
Proactively leads, identifies, and takes ownership of opportunities for corrective action and assists in process improvement by providing recommendations and contributes to meet department and hospital targets for quality and safety.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Identifies cost-containment measures, as applicable in clinical areas, to quantify cost savings. Adjusts nutrition care plan to provide the most appropriate and cost-effective therapy.
Partners with management and other operational leaders to effectively increase referrals into the department while continuing to collaborate with outside entities for business development.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Champions and leads innovative initiatives to obtain Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery focus or specialty designations, recognitions, or awards. Collaborates across the system in implementing change as appropriate, maintaining awareness of current changes in practice standards and applies to clinical practice setting.
Identifies and presents areas for innovation, efficiency and improvement in patient care or department operations using evidence-based practice literature. Assists management with program development and/or clinical competencies.
Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
EDUCATION
Master's degree in dietetics, food science, nutrition, public health, exercise science, behavioral science, or relevant field from an accredited university
15 CEUs in Diabetes Self-Management to be maintained annually, unless Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) from the American Diabetes Association
WORK EXPERIENCE
Four years of clinical nutrition experience
Bariatric and weight loss experience preferred
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED
LD - License Dietitian, State Licensure within 60 days AND
RD - Registered Dietician (CDR) AND
CDCES - Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CBDCE) within 6 months OR
RD-AP - Registered Dietician, Advanced Practioner (CDR) within 6 months OR
CSOWM - Certified Specialist Obesity and Weight Mgmt (CDR) within 6 months OR
CSR - Certified Specialist Renal Nutrition (CDR) within 6 months OR
CSG - Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CDR) within 6 months OR
CSO - Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CDR) within 6 months OR
CSSD - Certified Specialist Sports Dietetics (CDR) within 6 months AND
CPT - Certified Personal Trainer (NASM) within 6 months OR
CPT - Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM) within 6 months OR
CBC - Certified Bariatric Counselor (AABC) within 6 months OR
DTR - Dietetic Technician, Registered (CDR) within 6 months OR
CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator Certification (CBDCE) within 6 months OR
ServSafe within 6 months OR
equivalent certification/certificate approved by department manager/ leadership, e.g. Certificate of Training in Obesity for Pediatrics and Adults from Commission on Dietetic Registration within 6 months
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - PREFERRED
- BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
Successfully complete in-person and virtual patient appointments using approved technology
Ability to function independently and exercise judgment in interactions with all organizational levels
Possesses comprehensive computer knowledge including Microsoft products
Experience with EPIC or other EMR programs
Familiarity with health and weight management apps
Competency in technical writing and business writing
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
Uniform No
Scrubs No
Business professional Yes
Other (department approved) Yes
ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
- On Call* No
TRAVEL
Travel specifications may vary by department
May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No
Company Profile:
Houston Methodist is one of the nation’s leading health systems and academic medical centers. Houston Methodist consists of eight hospitals: Houston Methodist Hospital, its flagship academic hospital in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, and seven community hospitals throughout the greater Houston area. Houston Methodist also includes an academic institute, a comprehensive residency program, a global business division, numerous physician practices and several free-standing emergency rooms and outpatient facilities. Overall, Houston Methodist employs more than 27,000 employees and is supported by a wide variety of business functions that operate at the system level to help enable clinical departments to provide high quality patient care.
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.