DIR NUTRITION & FOOD SERVICES - AHMC Healthcare

Responsible for planning, budgeting, directing and supervising Nutritional Services and personnel, including managing new programs within the department for Seton Medical Center and Seton Coastside. Maintains each department within established hospital and regulatory agency laws, The Joint Commission, CMS/OBRA and California Department of Public Health and the Food Safety Code. Ensures service operation, personnel management, resource allocation, and control in order to support and enhance patient care and satisfaction. Responsible for the services provided within each hospital by Nutritional Services including Food Production and Dietitians. Direct supervision of Clinical Dietitians and Diet Clerks at Seton and Seton Coastside, Kitchen Ops Supervisor at Seton and Diet Clerks at Seton Coastside.

POSITION SPECIFIC DUTIES (other duties may be assigned)
Oversees the complete scope of operations (i.e., administrative and operational activities) for all Nutritional Services across the market continuum, including Inpatient, Outpatient, SNF, Gero-psych and sub-acute settings.

Develops, implements, and evaluates an ongoing service program that ensures quality patient programs consistent with the hospital’s mission. Is responsible for the department’s operational excellence; ensures department delivers quality services in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and professional standards.

• Manages all activities so that quality services are provided in an efficient and effective manner.
• Services provided meet all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintains an effective quality improvement program as evidenced by reports.
• Quality improvement program meets The Joint Commission, CMS, CDPH and other regulatory agency requirement standards, as evidenced by review.
• Maintains departmental productivity measurements; reports status monthly.
• Directs department activities in a manner consistent with organization wide programs and procedures.
• Establishes department policies and procedures that reflect the organization’s standards.

Plans, organizes, and directs department activities. Develops goals and objectives, and establishes and implements policies and procedures for department operation.

• Reviews department performance, effects changes as needed to improve services provided and assures compliance with regulatory requirements on a monthly and annual basis.
• Keeps administration informed of department activities, needs, and problems, and new regulations, as well as other administrative matters through meetings with vice president.
• Establishes charging and billing system with Finance; reviewed annually.

Monitors compliance with regulatory, accrediting, and hospital policy for patient services, personnel management, and environmental safety.

Keeps thorough and updated information on patient profile sheets. Instructs outpatient, teaches classes and conducts in-services, as required. Provides diet consultations as ordered by physicians.

Directs and oversees all implementation and management of operations to ensure division standards.
• Policies and procedures
• Clinical standards
• Physician practice(s)
• Financial results
• Quality and safety; oversees a PI program that consistently monitors and evaluates critical aspects of care.

Accurately identifies real/potential problems affecting the service and implements solutions with follow through and communication.

Serves as a resource to the Leadership team within and across service lines.

Fosters a service that is consistent with the patient care beliefs and shared management philosophy of the hospitals.

Actively participates in service, departmental, and hospital wide committees as assigned, providing on going communication to those represented.

Participates in departmental project management, assuming a leadership role as warranted, in order to equitably assume these responsibilities with peer directors.

Interprets/represents the practice and role of the hospital to allied healthcare professionals and physicians effectively.

Coaches immediate subordinates, providing feedback and a constructive critique of work, facilitates the development of their problem solving and decision-making skills, and documents their job performance annually.

Follows progressive disciplinary action process or oversees subordinates in doing so, in order to maintain productivity and performance standards.

Is responsible for the fiscal management of department; ensures proper utilization of the organization’s financial resources.

• Responsible for the development of departmental budgets within designated deadlines according to all budgetary policies and procedures.
• Effectively utilizes resources within established budget; notifies vice president of all variances anticipated or incurred to maintain department services.
• Recommends ways to reduce expenditures/enhance revenues without compromising quality of services in areas of responsibility.
• Monitors budget expenditures as reflected in accurate, objective variance analysis.

Maintains a charging and billing system to ensure that correct charges are being made and distributed.

Manages human resources (HR) to ensure quality services and promote positive employee relations.
• Consistently and fairly implements HR policies.
• Maintains effective and appropriate staffing by monitoring employee turnover, overtime, and absenteeism.
• Employee performance appraisals are completed thoroughly and submitted on time.
• Follows HR policies to implement progressive discipline, when necessary.
• Collaborates with HR on the recruitment and selection of qualified employment candidates, following all policies, guidelines, and applicable laws.
• Develops performance goals/objectives with each staff member to promote maximum productivity, proficiency, and professional growth, as evidenced by written goals on performance appraisals.
• Is recognized as a positive role model.

Effectively communicates departmental, organizational, and industrial information to staff.
• Attends organization’s informational meetings, as evidenced by attendance sheets.
• Gathers, interprets, and delivers information to staff in a timely fashion.
• Ensures staff understands information, as evidenced by staff compliance with, and participation in, hospital programs, seminars, training, and related activities.
• Communication with staff is effective, resolving conflicts that may hamper relations and productivity, as observed by manager.
• Uses hospital communications resources to inform internal and external audiences of departmental news, achievements, and policies.

Attains all agreed to goals and objectives within specified time frames, as part of the organization’s overall mission.

Follows the hospital exposure control plans/bloodborne and airborne pathogens.
• Demonstrates knowledge of techniques, procedures, and correct use of protective barrier equipment. Expects the same of other team members.
• Ensures a safe environment by instituting appropriate control measures.

Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.

• Fosters a professional working environment by assuming a leadership role (not supervisory) for all staff.
• Functions as a departmental role model.
• Interacts with all of the above in a considerate, helpful, and courteous manner as observed by manager and peers.
• Fosters mature professional relationships with fellow employees in a courteous, friendly manner as measured by management observation and peer input.
• Maintains professional composure and confidence during stressful situations.
• Maintains open communication using appropriate chain of command regarding issues.
• Conducts all work activities with respect for rights and wishes of patients, visitors, families, and fellow employees.
• Maintains confidentiality of all hospital and patient information at all times as observed by peers and management.
• Presents a neat and professional appearance in proper attire with identification badge visible at all times as required by department, and administrative policy.
• Continuously displays a "can do" attitude within the department and across departmental lines to contribute to the overall customer service and satisfaction program.

Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a department/unit team inter- and intradepartmental to facilitate the department’s/unit’s ability to meet its goals and objectives.

• Actively participates in department meetings.
• Supports the hospital’s mission, policies, and procedures through attendance and participation during committee meetings, where applicable.
• Acts as a professional role model, both clinically and administratively.
• Effectively and confidentially communicates in all professional situations

• Minimum Education: B.A. or B.S. degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Registered Dietitian required. Master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics or Business preferred.
• Minimum Work Experience: 5 years’ experience in Nutritional Services department of an acute care hospital or commensurate experience in a healthcare setting. 3-5 years’ experience in Nutritional Services management. Serve Safe Management certification required.
• Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Must possess sharp clinical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Must have ability to effectively manage a variety of disciplines, productivity and revenue goals, and staffing.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Exhibits a high level of patience and practices good listening skills.
• Working knowledge of personal computers and their application to a medical practice setting preferred.
• Ability to mentor and coach staff in a way that will foster independent thinking and flexibility.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously. Flexibility and organizational skills essential.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently under tight deadlines.
• Significant demand to manage multiple jobs at one time. Ability to manage stress and critical decisions.