BASIC PURPOSE:
Positions in this job family are involved in paraprofessional dietetic work in a nutrition and dietetic service unit in a facility, institution, school, hospital or public health department.
TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:
Interviews patients and takes diet histories.
Reviews patient medical charts for dietetic and nutritional information.
Assists nutrition therapist in determining appropriate nutritional care of patients.
Gives individual diet instructions to patients with normal and modified diets, as directed by a nutrition therapist.
Conducts classes on general nutrition and consumer education.
Participates in public information and educational activities regarding nutrition.
Maintains records and prepares reports.
LEVEL DESCRIPTOR:
Level I: Code: Z24A Salary Band: G
This job family consists of only one level and employees are responsible for performing all functions involving paraprofessional dietetic work in a nutrition and dietetic service unit or in a public health department. In this role they will conduct and assist in conducting nutritional assessments of individuals, including anthropometric measurements, biochemical tests using standardized procedures, clinical or physical examination, dietary intake and economic, social and environmental factors. Employees will also provide nutritional education to individual patients, and discuss dietary problems of patients with doctors, nurses and other allied health personnel.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required include knowledge of patient food service delivery in a hospital, school, public health department, institutional or facility setting; of basic principles of nutrition, sanitation and food-handling practices; and of the basic principles of dietetics. Ability is required to identify dietary deficiencies in menus; design special diets for review by a nutrition therapist; and follow written and oral medical and dietetic instructions.
Education and Experience requirements consist of an associate’s degree in dietetic technology or a closely related field; or two years of experience working under the supervision of a dietitian/nutrition therapist in a facility, institution, school, hospital or public health setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Some positions may require successful completion of the six month United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service Nutrition Assistant Training under the supervision of a registered dietitian within the probationary period.