Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. In collaboration with the Shapedown Program Coordinator and designated Professional Practice Leader, Nutrition and in accordance with established policies, procedures, guidelines and standards the dietitian provides direct nutrition care services to patients of the Shapedown Program through the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of nutritional goals and care plans. Provides individual and/or group counselling to program participants. Working collaboratively with the health care team, participates in research, quality improvement and risk management projects and the development of community models, protocols and educational materials for the treatment of obesity disorders benefiting from nutrition intervention.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Utilizing knowledge of pediatric obesity and human metabolism conducts nutrition assessment and develops, documents and implements age appropriate nutrition care plans as outlined by the Shapedown nutritional protocols. Monitors progress and evaluates and reports on results of the plan. Makes recommendations for changes or adjustments as required.
2. Provides comprehensive nutrition counselling for clients of the Shapedown program. Provides individual and group teaching sessions including comprehensive nutrition, lifestyle and self-care education to support patients, parents and caregivers.
3. Consults and communicates with community based health professionals, hospital staff or staff from other health agencies to enhance and provide continuity of care for assigned patients.
4. As a member of the Shapedown team, provides input in the planning, implementation and evaluation of nutrition related services, participates on relevant committees and supports the efficient and effective use of resources.
5. Documents nutrition care plan and recommendations at each stage of the nutrition care process according to established guidelines. Completes and maintains appropriate records for activities including workload statistics and patient databases.
6. Identifies patient’s needs for services and makes appropriate referrals, or develops alternate strategies for patient support, education and follow-up care.
7. Assists the coordinator by providing input to program planning and review of treatment protocols and/or interventions for the Shapedown program.
8. Communicates and or demonstrates nutrition care and Shapedown program principles to members of the health care team, colleagues, peers and students through in-service education or orientation/ training sessions.
9. Participates and collaborates on approved program research projects such as surveys and outcome evaluation 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 finding for program delivery.
10. Participates in program based quality improvement and risk management initiatives by methods such as collecting data and monitoring variances to expected outcomes. Makes recommendations based on documented results and implements approved changes.
11. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
•Graduation from an academic program in dietetics approved by the College of Dietitians of British Columbia
•Full registration with the College of Dietitians of BC
•One year recent related experience in the area of pediatric weight management and counselling; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
•Successful applicant will be required to complete the training required to become a certified Shapedown? Weight Management Program provider.
Skills and Abilities
•Knowledge of pediatric obesity, disordered eating and human metabolism.
•Effective communication skills; verbal and written.
•Ability to work within an interdisciplinary team setting.
•Ability to provide education and training.
•Ability to teach and counsel.
•Ability to work with diverse populations.
•Ability to organise and prioritise workload.
•Ability to work in a community development framework across sectors within a community setting.
•Physical ability to perform duties of the position.
•Ability to operate related equipment.