DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL NUTRITION

Definition

Under general direction has responsibility for coordinating, directing, and evaluating the services provided by all nutritionists of lower grade; provides consultation to institutions in correcting deficiencies and meeting federal, state and departmental standards; serves as an advisor to the Department and high level Division Directors regarding programs for the Department; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Coordinates and/or supervises the professional activities of nutritionists of lower grade throughout the Department.
• Coordinates implementation of the Department's nutrition program in context to the overall departmental health plan and budget.
• Formulates the Department's nutrition program policies.
• Analyzes data, summarizes conclusions, and utilizes these in administrative decision making.
• Coordinates evaluation of nutrition program activities to establish the validity of program objectives and the effectiveness of programs, operational policies, and procedures in accomplishing these objectives.
• Coordinates investigation and preparation of detailed recommendations relating to proposed expansion, continuation or elimination of programmatic needs and functions as well as positions and groups of positions.
• Advises administrators on nutrition program plans, policy requirements, staffing recommendations, and organizational structure of nutrition departments.
• Prepares a policy and procedure manual for use by personnel delivering nutrition services.
• Serves as the representative for nutrition services on the Department's policy making and administrative team.
• Interprets federal and State standards and assists institutional nutrition service departments in clarifying objectives and procedures for compliance.
• Provides leadership and assists in the development and presentation of training programs for professional staff of Nutrition and Food Service Departments.
• Confers with physicians, administrators, and Central Office professional staff regarding institutional program needs.
• Serves as a resource person to provide up-to-date information in the area of normal and clinical nutrition.
• Reviews requests for the hiring, transfer, and promotion of clinical nutritionists, and provides recommendations for the use of the Supervising and clinical nutritionists.
• Coordinates activities of clinical nutritionists within State institutions, and serves as consultant when requested for State and county nutrition programs.
• Promotes effective public relations.
• Prepares clear, accurate reports containing findings, facts, and recommendations.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.

Education

A Doctorate in Nutrition with a graduate course in Food, Biochemistry, Physiology, Biostatistics and Community Nutrition.

Experience

Five (5) years of full-time professional experience in the field of Nutrition or Dietetics, at least three (3) years of which must have been as a Nutritionist in an administrative, consultative, or supervisory capacity in the State, federal, or community nutrition program.

License

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the current science and practice of Nutrition and of the standard of practice in Clinical Nutrition.
• Knowledge of policies, procedures, standards, and regulations basic to health care facilities.
• Knowledge of training aids, methods, and practices used in professional-level training programs.
• Ability to assimilate a broad spectrum of information in order to conceptualize relevant elements of program management.
• Ability to implement plans and execute decisions.
• Ability to use a problem solving approach to decision making, while considering the impact of alternative solutions.
• Ability to interpret, evaluate, and utilize pertinent, current research related to nutritional care.
• Ability to compile or develop educational materials and to present formal and informal nutrition education for professionals.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved in the work of the unit.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

CERTIFICATION

NOTE: Appointees must possess a current and valid Certification as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) issued by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.