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.
In collaboration with the Generation Health Clinic 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 Generation Health Clinic through the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of nutritional goals and care plans. Provides individual and/or group counselling to patients and families. Working collaboratively with the health care team, participates in research, quality improvement and risk management projects and develops education resources for the treatment of obesity disorders benefiting from nutrition intervention.
Duties/Accountabilities:
1. Utilizing knowledge of pediatric obesity and human metabolism, conducts nutrition assessment in a multidisciplinary collaborative model and develops, documents and implements age-appropriate nutrition care plans as outlined by the Generation Health Clinic 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 Generation Health Clinic. Provides individual and group teaching sessions including comprehensive nutrition, healthy living and self-care education to support patients, parents and caregivers.
3. 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.
4. Develops, coordinates, implements and maintains nutrition educational materials for patients (e.g. lesson plans, handouts, slides, worksheets) in consultation with clinicians to support the delivery of the standardized Generation Health Clinic group intervention across all delivery sites. Ensures resources align with group learning objectives, curriculum and current clinical guidelines.
5. Maintains and updates patient and clinician resource platforms on behalf of delivery sites to ensure accurate, accessible and up to date information for use in patient education and group facilitation.
6. 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.
7. As a member of the Generation Health Clinic 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.
8. Identifies patient’s needs for services and makes appropriate referrals, or develops alternate strategies for patient support, education and follow-up care.
9. Assists the coordinator by providing input to program planning and review of treatment protocols and/or interventions for the Generation Health Clinic.
10. Prepares and presents workshops/in-service instruction, patient education programs and written resources to other health care professionals regarding management of pediatric obesity in outreach education for patients to ensure best practices are implemented for in all settings of care.
11. 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.
12. Participates in clinic-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.
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.
• Current full registration as a Dietitian with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.
• One (1) year recent, related clinical 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 Generation Health Clinic Weight Management Program provider.
Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of pediatric obesity, disordered eating and human metabolism
• Knowledge of nutrition education principles, methods and delivery techniques for patients with pediatric obesity
• Knowledge of group facilitation skills and counselling strategies such as motivational interviewing and their utilization in pediatric obesity management
• 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 plan, organize and prioritize workload.
• Physical ability to perform duties of the position.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
