Dietary Specialist

Job Code

30000834

Basic Function

Plans, directs, supervises, implements and coordinates all nutrition educational activities within the Clinical Nutrition and Food Services Unit (CNFSU), under the direction of the supervisor, to maintain the competencies of inpatient and outpatient dietitians.

Scope

Works within Johns Hopkins Aramco Health Care Nursing & Clinical Service Department in Dhahran, Al Hasa, Ras Tanura and Abqaiq. Responsible, under the general direction of the Unit Supervisor, for nutrition education and quality improvement activities in and provides dietary services to JHAH staff and patients of various nationalities, cultures, ages and medical conditions and outpatients clinics. Establishes procedures, implements policies, and provides administrative direction related to educational programs in the fields of clinical nutrition, community nutrition and food services. Evaluates and monitors staff competencies of the CNFSU. Ensures the application of nutrition guidelines by the staff and provides direction for the preparation and serving of meals, planning of menus and diets for meeting special nutritional requirements for the patients. Ensures that continuity of nutrition care and nutrition instructions are carried out by the policy to meet the requirements of JHAH and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.

Principal Contacts

Contacts with the supervisor, nutrition advisor, clinical nutrition leader, food services team leader, other staff of CNFSU and food services contractor. Contacts with patients, wards clerks, nurses and other members of the health care team to obtain nutrition information, analyzes them, develops nutrition care plans, and assists in nutrition education process for patients and staff. Contacts with General Nursing leaders, JHAH Quality Improvement Coordinator, Pharmacy and other members of the healthcare team in liaison with CNFSU Supervisor.

Principal Duties

Performs all nutrition and food services educational functions as established by the company, under the direction of the unit supervisor. Provides supervision and work direction to senior dietitians, dietary assistants, nutrition clerks, and food services contractor that are related to staff educational competencies. Recommends standards for diet prescriptions, documentation in medical records, nutrition assessment, nutrition education and counseling for patients. Reviews policies and procedures to reflect Joint Commission on Accreditation of healthcare Organizations regulations and standards as well as current practices in nutrition education. Serves as a resource Clinical Nutrition Specialist for dietitians, physicians, nursing staff and food services contractor staff regarding clinical nutrition and food services standards, practices, and operation. Analyzes, plans, assigns and directs nutrition care activities and instructs subordinates on nutrition education and clinical dietetics. Collaborates with clinical staff in the development and adoption of educational materials for patients and staff. Establishes and maintains regular training programs for CNFSU staff. Keeps the unit supervisor informed with all educational activities and obtains required approval for implementation of new clinical nutrition programs. Assists in the development of the business operational plan, short and long- term goals and objectives consistent with the unit and hospitals plans. Plans for conducting educational and training programs on food preparation, sanitation, and safety for food services contractor staff. Participates and contributes to management and professional committees at the hospital. Serves as a member of the hospital committees and participates in multidisciplinary educational activities. Enrolls the unit staff on continues education programs and supports educating the dietitians and food services managers of the healthcare network. Coordinates all educational activities to Saudi Aramco employees, local community and outreach.

Principal Duties (cont'd)

Coordinates nutrition orientation and in-services for physicians, nurses, and other medical staff as well as providing nutrition information for CNFSU staff and other medical staff within the multidisciplinary healthcare team. Keeps updated practices and trends in the field of dietetics, nutrition and food services. Administers, directs and prepares comprehensive quality improvement and educational programs for CNFSU to meet the standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations and JHAH. Coordinates nutrition exhibitions and campaigns for outreach and community. Supports the healthcare network dietitians and participates in the educational programs for them. Performs duties on weekdays and weekends/holidays as per the operational need of Clinical Nutrition and Food Services Unit. Develops staff competency programs for clinical and outpatient dietitians on various areas of CNFSU operation and scope of service. Develops staff competencies programs for new hire in the fields of nutrition education, and food services. Instructs outpatients, teaches classes and conducts in-services, as required. Maintains advanced of level communications skills including counseling skills, motivation and behavior change strategies. Participates in training programs for interns and universities students.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Clinical Nutrition, Master of Science preferred, preferable current license with Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.

Experience

Minimum of 7 years experience in clinical nutrition in a JCI accredited hospital with Bachelor degree, or Master's degree preferred with 5 years experience. Completed 1 year intership in an accredited hospital

Certifications/Other requirements as applicable

Fluent oral and written English and independently apply problem solving strategies to enhance patients outcomes with effective resolution. Spoken Arabic is desirable. Active member in an International Nutrition Association.