Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Education & Training:
Participate as a non-supervisory clinical resource in IDT meetings, clinical reviews, annual/semi-annual Individualized Program Planning (IPP) meetings, Life Plan meetings, case conferences, and transition planning as needed. Provide nutrition education and practical training to individuals, families, DSPs, residential staff, nursing, culinary staff, QIDPs, BIS staff, and program leadership. Collaborate with medical providers, speech-language pathologists, nurses, behavior health, residential, Day Habilitation, and culinary teams to coordinate safe nutrition supports. Review swallow evaluations and monitor implementation of prescribed diet consistencies and dysphagia-related nutrition recommendations in accordance with physician orders and clinical recommendations. Escalate staffing, coverage, performance, or disciplinary concerns to the appropriate supervisor or program leader.
Regulatory Readiness & Quality Assurance:
Maintain nutrition services consistent with OPWDD, DOH, organizational policies, professional standards, and applicable ICF/IRA requirements. Conduct nutrition-related audits of diet orders, documentation, weight monitoring, meal service, food safety, sanitation, menu adherence, and corrective action completion. Participate in surveys, audits, incident reviews, and quality improvement activities; identify trends, risks, training needs, and opportunities for improvements.
Additional Responsibilities:
Maintain professional knowledge through continuing education and evidence-based nutrition practice. Assist with nutrition policies, procedures, forms, menus, training materials, trackers, and program tools. Respond in a timely manner to nutrition questions, urgent dietary needs, and consultation requests; perform other related non-supervisory duties as assigned.
EDUCATIONAL/TRAININGS REQUIRED (Level 1 BIS, 633.16(b)(32):
Registered Dietician credential through the Commission on Dietetic Registration required. Bachelor's degree or higher in Nutrition, Dietetics, or related field required; graduate degree preferred where applicable. Current New York State certification/licensure in dietetics-nutrition, or eligibility to obtain, preferred or as required.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Clinical nutrition assessment, care planning, documentation, and follow-up for ICF/IRA residential settings. Knowledge of therapeutic diets, modified textures, food allergies, dysphagia precautions, hydration, food safety, sanitation, and complex medical needs. Ability to work effectively in consultative, non-supervisory role with IDT members, residential staff, culinary staff, individuals, families, and providers. Understanding of OPWDD/DOH compliance, audit readiness, person-centered care, kosher food service, and culturally responsive communication.