Dietitian Diabetes Care and Education Specialist - Oregon Health & Science University

Department Overview:

The Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center (HSDHC) is committed to advancing the health and wellbeing of children and adults diagnosed with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and Pre-Diabetes. We cater to a diverse patient demographic, including those newly diagnosed with diabetes, individuals managing long-term diabetes, and patients requiring immediate care for new-onset diabetes. Access to HSDHC's services is seamlessly facilitated through both physician and provider referrals.

As a pivotal component of our multidisciplinary team, the Dietitian, Diabetes Care Education Specialist [Diabetes Educator] enhances diabetes management through expert delivery of Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES). This role demands a dynamic interaction with
patients and their families across various settings:

• Ambulatory Care: Manage scheduled face-to-face and synchronous and asynchronous telemedicine consultations, support our proactive telephone triage efforts, and engage in comprehensive care management. This position works with both pediatric and adult patients.
• Inpatient Care: Provide critical diabetes survival skills education to pediatric patients admitted at Doernbecher Children's Hospital (DCH). Facilitate smooth transitions from hospital to home care and ensure continuity of care via follow-up education at HSDHC.

Function/Duties of Position:

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Related Activities:

• Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments including anthropometric
  measures, biochemical data, and nutrition-focused physical examinations.
• Assess patient/family learning needs, including barriers to learning and the
  most effective teaching methods.
• Develop tailored nutrition plans that include specific dietary recommendations
  to support diabetes management.
• Educate patients and families on nutritional strategies to help manage
  diabetes, integrating standards of care into care plans.
• Provide targeted medical nutrition therapy tailored to each patient’s diabetes
  condition and overall health status.
• Continuously evaluate and document the effectiveness of nutrition
  interventions and patient progress.
• Monitor patient outcomes relevant to nutritional interventions and adjust
  treatment plans to achieve optimal health results.
• Ensure all aspects of nutritional care are well-documented, maintaining high
  standards of care and compliance.

Specialty Certification - Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support
(DSMES) Related Activities:

• Deliver critical initial education to patients newly diagnosed with diabetes or those experiencing significant changes in their condition, ensuring they receive essential survival skills for managing their disease.
• Provide comprehensive diabetes self-management education and support in both individual and group settings, utilizing protocols and standards of care set by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES).
• Educate patients on the effective use of diabetes technology devices such as
  glucometers, smartpens, and continuous glucose sensors.
• Educate patients on the use of insulin and other diabetes-related injectable
  therapies.
• Assist patients and their families in identifying achievable behavior goals and
  incorporate these into personalized teaching plans.
• Maintain appropriate and timely documentation on all patient encounters.
• Participate in community education initiatives aimed at raising awareness and
  understanding of diabetes management as requested
• Collaborate with educational institutions to provide practical training and
  education to dietetic interns, medical and nursing students.
• Participate in case management, transition project and urgent call triage tasks.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics, Food and Nutrition, or a closely-related field.
• Clinical Dietetic experience in an acute care facility involving diabetes patients.
• Years of practice to meet the requirements of Clinical Dietitian Specialist
• Possession of the specialty certification in diabetes care and education.
• Strong passion for diabetes education.
• Proficient in the nutrition care process for both pediatric and adult patients, ensuring optimal nutrient intake based on individual needs.
• Able to assess the nutrient composition of patients' meals and the impact of medications on nutrient and drug bioavailability.
• Skilled in diagnosing malnutrition using Nutrition Focused Physical Exams.
• Competent in administering medical nutrition therapy to enhance nutrient
  digestion, absorption, and metabolism.
• Capable of making recommendations for medication adjustments related to nutrition to improve patient well-being, reduce hospital stays, and enhance cost-effectiveness of treatment plans.
• A Bachelor’s degree with specialization in dietetics, nutrition, institution management, or a closely-related field and completion of a pre-planned professional experience in dietetics at a facility approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
• Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with the Commission on Dietetic
  Registration (CDR).
• Licensed Dietitian in the state of Oregon
• Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)
• BLS certification

• Compliance with Code of Conduct, Respect in the workplace and Applicable policies, procedures and agreements related to position, department or OHSU as a whole

• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree preferred – will consider other relevant degrees
• 3 or more years recent experience working with patients living with diabetes, their caregivers and families.
• 1 year experience working with diabetes technology (insulin pumps, sensors, etc.)
• Nutrition assessment and intervention for the acutely ill pediatric patient.
• Spanish speaking preferred.
• Licensed Dietitian in the state of Washington highly desired.

Additional Details:

Pay Range: $43.60 - $59.87 per hour (Commensurate with qualifications, experience and internal equity)

• Monday-Saturday, five days a week, rotates inpatient Saturday coverage with team members.
• Shift is variable from 8am-5pm. Physical locations: Marquan Hill PPV 140 and OHSU Beaverton.
• Position does not maintain a private office. Workspace is shared with other Diabetes Educators in the outpatient clinic. Teleworking may be available per role responsibilities

All are welcome:Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.