Job Summary:

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Dietitian, Sunny Hill Child Development and Rehabilitation Program provides clinical nutrition services to support the management of patients with developmental disabilities served by the Child Development and Rehabilitation Program of Children’s & Women’s Health Centre of British Columbia.  Working collaboratively with the health care team, provides information and participates in community outreach; develops educational materials and resources; participates in research activities and in ongoing quality improvement and risk management programs.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.Assesses the nutritional needs of selected patients by evaluating biochemical, anthropometric, and dietary parameters and utilizing subjective global assessment.  Develops and implements comprehensive nutrition care plans; makes recommendations regarding nutrient requirements, feeding choices and methods of delivery including the initiation, management and advancement of enteral feeds.

2.In response to biochemical and other nutrition related data and in consultation with the treatment team monitors and adjusts nutrition care plans.  Consults with physicians and other health care professionals regarding patient response to nutrition care plans.  Communicates plans to other health care providers, family and/or caregivers in hospital or community.

3.Provides comprehensive nutrition counseling for patients and caregivers including training in the use of specialized formulas and food preparation.  Develops written education materials and resources as necessary, in collaboration with relevant teams and departments.  

4.Completes and maintains appropriate, related records for activities performed including for example documentation of the nutritional care plan on patients charts, workload statistics, formula requisitions, menus and manual and electronic patient care databases.

5.Assists the Professional Practice Leader and Senior Operations Director in evaluating the Program operation and establishing goals and objectives from a clinical nutrition perspective by helping to review caseload, treatment trends, statistics and effective utilization of resources.  Ensures that activities meet priorities set by the Program and that work plans reflect the overall strategic direction set by the Program.  

6.Reviews the literature, consults with hospital and/or community experts and uses evidence and/or outcome based indicators where possible to review, evaluate and update nutrition care protocols and guidelines for patient population.  Ensures professional practice guidelines are met and services are provided in accordance with established policies and procedures, guidelines and standards.

7.Participates in team related activities which may include outreach, attending clinics, and making presentations through means such as telehealth, conferences, seminars or workshops.  Provides consultation to regional, community and pediatric centres and other organizations related to the nutritional care of the population served by the Child Development and Rehabilitation program at Sunny Hill.

8.Provides orientation, demonstrates procedures and provides education to other staff and students.  As appropriate, in collaboration with multidisciplinary team, provides workshops/in-service educational programs and written resources for other health care professionals including dietitians, physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, medical students, dietetic interns or other staff as required through a variety of methods including telehealth, workshops and conferences.  

9.Provides suggestions for dietetic intern experiences and provides students with the opportunity to observe and take an active role in the education and treatment of patients with developmental disabilities.

10.Participates in ongoing department and program quality improvement and risk management activities.

11.Participates and collaborates on approved nutrition or Program research projects such as clinical trials and surveys by providing input into the planning and formulation of the research question, collecting data, integration and interpretation of data and recommending and identifying implications of study finding s for dietetic practice.

12.Provides input to department and Program meetings; participates in relevant and related hospital and community based committees, activities and projects.

13.Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

•Graduation from an academic program in dietetics approved by the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC plus completion of an accredited Dietitians of Canada Dietetic Internship or an equivalent.
•Current full registration as a Dietitian with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC and eligible for membership in Dietitians of Canada.
•One (1) year’s recent experience in areas related to child development and rehabilitation, or an equivalent combination of experience, education and training.

Skills and Abilities

•Comprehensive knowledge of nutritional management of patients with developmental disabilities including training in dysphagia care and enteral support.
•Ability to plan and implement nutrition care plans for patients with complex feeding problems.
•Ability to work collaboratively and effectively within an interdisciplinary environment.
•Ability to communicate with, and to deal effectively with co-workers, physicians, other health care professionals, patients and their families, and external agencies.
•Ability to teach and provide effective consultation.
•Ability to plan, organize and prioritize workload.
•Knowledge of research process and methodology.
•Ability to operate the equipment used to perform duties of the position.
•Physical ability to perform duties of the position.