Bariatric Dietitian - Full-Time - AAMC

Position Objective:

Provide clinical assessment, support and education to patients as part of the overall Program.

Essential Job Duties:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions 

1. Perform and/or cause to be performed the various tasks to include but not be limited to: establishment of physician referrals and communications, development, scheduling, and implementation of public education and promotional activities, organize and plan monthly support groups for weight loss surgical patients, to be accessible to speak at support groups outside AAMC , receiving of patient inquiries and the scheduling of patients for evaluation and care, clinical support to the physician and other healthcare providers, development of supportive educational needs for patients to include pertinent information regarding their dietary pre and post-op surgical care, supplementation, and follow-up lab evaluation, create and maintain referral and supportive services which combine to provide the patient with a totality of needed care, collection and use of statistical and clinical data for Program evaluation. Provides support and nutritional education to patients referred by non-bariatric surgeons in the practice.
2. Coordinates and participates in the development of referral relationships with physicians, therapists, and others who may refer patients to the Program. This includes identifying referral sources, coordinating efforts with other AAHS functions (marketing), and working within the Program to properly respond to referrals made, tracking, and responding to referring providers with reports.
3. Coordinates and implements public education and information sessions in coordination with other AAHS functions (marketing). This would include scheduling, publicity, registration of attendees, and follow up with those attendees who wish additional information.
4. Work cooperatively with other Program members and Surgical Staff in general to achieve the overall goals of the Program and Surgical Services in general.
5. Compile and evaluate patient condition and needs relative to patients status and provide the appropriate information needed to identify each patients requirement relative to his/her age group.
6. Conducts nutritional assessment for patients and makes appropriate recommendations for medical nutrition therapy as part of the overall care and treatment plan provided by the Program.
7. Utilizes established screening criteria to identify patients appropriate for Program services. Have a thorough knowledge of insurance and payment requirements for Programmatic services, and conduct the prior authorizations needed for services.
8. Documents screening and assessments in medical record according to clinical standards.
9. Recommends changes in medical nutrition therapy based on assessments and discusses rationale for change. Counsels patients and caregivers in nutrition principles, care plan, and food selection appropriate for diet order.
10. Develops and implements plans of nutritional care correlated with other health disciplines.

Educational/Experience Requirements:

• American Dietetic Association (ADA) - CDA approved internship or equivalent education and approved experience program.
• Must be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration of ADA.
• Must have a vehicle and be willing to use it for work and be reimbursed mileage and have a valid Maryland drivers license with no more than 2 points.
• Bariatric Program experience required.
• Must be available for weekends and routine and regular evening work.

Required License/Certifications:

• Completed Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics approved internship.
• Registered or eligible for registry with the Commission on Dietetic Registration with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
• Must be licensed or meet licensure requirements and be in the process of applying for licensure with the Maryland State Board of Dietetic Practice.

Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands:

There is a reasonable expectation that employees in this position will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens.

Physical Demands –

Light Work

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The above job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position.  This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; your supervisor may assign other duties as deemed necessary.